Barcelona close to agreeing $216m per season jersey deal with Puma
The Catalans giants could see the end of long-term ties with Nike
After weeks of intense discussions, FC Barcelona and Puma are close to signing an unprecedented contract in concept that will cost the Catalans approximately $216 million (€200 million) a season, as reported by SPORT. Should the agreement proceed, it has the potential to become the most profitable kit sponsor agreement in sport.
The Blaugrana will be funded at least $124.5 million (€115 million) per year, but if certain conditions are met, that amount might increase to $216 million.
One significant obstacle, though, is that Barca’s current contract with Nike prevents any agreement reached between Puma and the La Liga champions from progressing further.
Since 1998, Nike has provided Barca with uniforms and shirts. According to SPORT, the Oregon-based sportswear juggernaut pays the Catalans a minimum of $114.75 million (€105 million) every term, with the possibility of reaching $169 million (€155 million) depending on certain factors.
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According to the same source, Puma “will not sign a single document” until Barca and Nike’s link is severed, although it is prepared to provide a bonus if the club can sever ties with the American business.
If Barca leaves in the upcoming months, Nike estimates that it would lose $378 million (€350 million), and it has no plan of suffering such a setback without receiving recompense.
Barca is attempting to settle several concerns with Nike concurrently with its negotiations with Puma. Puma has promised to work towards helping Barca succeed in the global as well as European e-commerce industry.
The revelation from SPORT comes after the company said that Barca and Puma were on the verge of signing a contract for more than $820 million, an amount that would surpass the amount the German company pays Manchester City.
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