According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona and its main sponsor
Nike, Inc.
The contract between the two is set to expire in 2028 and the two sides are currently in heated negotiations to renew it. Previously.
Barcelona
Nike was accused of a number of breaches of contract, including failing to pay the €18 million due in January of this year. However, a recent judicial decision supports Nike's position.
The ruling made it clear that Barcelona could neither terminate its contract with Nike nor negotiate with other brands. Nevertheless, the lawsuit became a "lever" for Barcelona to force Nike to renegotiate, because Barcelona believes that the existing contract is no longer in line with market conditions.
Barcelona currently receives 52 million euros a year in sponsorship revenue from Nike, but the club believes that the market could bring in even higher revenues, even up to 120 million euros, in addition to additional revenues from e-commerce and sales of own-brand apparel. Barcelona is unwilling to withdraw the lawsuit because they believe it has an objective basis.
Nike recently made an offer of 95 million euros per year plus a 150 million euro signing bonus, but the offer had restrictions on e-commerce and private label apparel manufacturing. The contract is for 10 years and wants to be extended unilaterally for five years, but this condition did not convince Barcelona.
Faced with this offer, Barcelona asked Nike to allow them to explore the market and learn about other opportunities. Sources revealed that Puma was very interested in Barcelona and assured them of a strong offer. However, this conflicted with a judicial ruling in favor of Nike, but Barcelona have not yet given up.
It is reported that Nike has said it will make another 10-year offer, the amount will be more than the previous offer of 95 million euros, but the condition is that Barcelona withdrew the lawsuit, the end of the legal dispute between the two sides. Barcelona will be satisfied if they can get a 10-year contract with an annual payment of 115 million euros.
Barcelona are hoping to reach an agreement with Nike in mid-August, which would help the club immensely in terms of financial fairness rules and further ensure the club's long-term stability and financial health.
