FC Barcelona Weighs $240 Million Sponsorship Offer Amid Nike Rift

FC Barcelona is considering a lucrative sponsorship offer from a competitor of its current kit sponsor, Nike, which could inject an immediate $240 million (€220 million) into the club, as reported by MARCA, citing anonymous sources.

Under the leadership of president Joan Laporta, the Barca board is actively exploring alternative options for its iconic Blaugrana jerseys and associated apparel, seeking a more lucrative deal than its longstanding partnership with Nike, which began in 1998.

According to MARCA, Nike currently pays Barcelona a fixed annual sum of $93 million (€85 million), with additional earnings of up to $21.8 million (€20 million) possible through performance-related incentives. However, the club perceives this arrangement as undervaluing its brand and potential.

While Barca briefly considered producing its own jerseys through its licensing arm, the idea was ultimately discarded. Recent speculation has suggested that other sportswear brands like New Balance and Puma could potentially disrupt the Nike-Barcelona partnership.

Puma has emerged as a frontrunner in recent discussions, reportedly offering a staggering $109.5 million (€100 million) signing bonus, along with an annual fee of $131.4 million (€120 million) for supplying kits and apparel. This enticing proposal has caught the attention of Laporta and the Barca board.

Laporta has previously voiced concerns about Nike’s contractual obligations and hinted at a possible breach. He emphasized the importance of securing a deal that reflects the club’s market value, suggesting that Barca could potentially earn double elsewhere.

Despite the allure of the Puma offer, Barcelona remains cautious, considering the financial implications and contractual obligations. The club is still navigating its way out of an economic crisis and must prioritize financial stability within the confines of Financial Fair Play regulations.

As negotiations unfold, Barcelona is awaiting a final offer from Nike, although initial indications suggest that it may not surpass the current deal. The club faces a pivotal decision in the coming weeks as it weighs its options for a potentially game-changing sponsorship deal.