News Digest

A big tick for Barcelona as it lands €155m-a-year sponsorship deal with Nike

Barcelona agreed a long-term contract extension with American sportswear giants Nike on Saturday in what has been called the most lucrative kit-sponsorship deal in the world. Barca said the details of the deal would be revealed and ratified at the club’s next general assembly. However, the world champions could make up to a staggering €155 million ($174 million) a season, it is being reported. That would dwarf the £75 million ($109 milion) a season, 10-year deal Manchester United struck with Adidas last year.

The long-term agreement is a landmark in global football and builds upon a highly successful partnership

Barcelona statement

A record-breaking deal will ease the strains on Barca’s finances with a €420 million renovation of their Camp Nou stadium due to begin in 2018. Moreover, the club is reportedly set to announce an extension to Brazilian star Neymar’s contract – who is a key Nike-sponsored athlete – in the coming weeks. "Through this new agreement with Nike we are extending a strategic alliance for the club, while also reinforcing our global position, hand in hand with the leading global sports brand,“ said Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu. "We are excited by this new agreement and are confident that we’ll be able to celebrate continued sporting successes together.”