FC Barcelona and Nike have signed a new long-term kit manufacturing agreement, extending their 26-year partnership in what sources indicate is the largest technical sponsorship in football history.
The reported 14-year contract, valued at €150 million annually, totals approximately €2 billion through 2042. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo revealed the figures, though neither party has officially confirmed the terms.
The agreement surpasses the current highest-paying kit deals in football - Real Madrid's €120 million yearly arrangement with adidas and Manchester United's €105 million adidas contract.
Before renewing with Nike, Barcelona explored options with other manufacturers, including PUMA and New Balance. The club also considered establishing its own production facility, following the model of several Italian teams.
The partnership extends beyond standard kit manufacturing. Nike will integrate with Barça Licensing & Merchandising, the club's retail division, to manage product development, supply chains, and worldwide distribution networks.
This renewal builds on a collaboration that began in 1998 when Nike replaced Kappa as Barcelona's technical sponsor. The previous agreement, set to expire in 2028, provided €124 million annually.
Barcelona's distinctive blaugrana stripes have featured in numerous memorable Nike designs over the past two decades, including the 2008-09 home kit worn during the club's first treble-winning season and the yellow away strip from the 2005-06 Champions League triumph in Paris.
The deal arrives as Barcelona aims to strengthen its financial position while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level of European football.
Context box:
- Previous deal: €124M per year until 2028
- New agreement: €150M annually through 2042
- Real Madrid-adidas deal: €120M per year
- Man United-adidas deal: €105M per year
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Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.