New Balance has been Liverpool’s kit sponsor since 2015, but that had been set to end next season. Nike had agreed a deal worth £70 million (approximately $86 million USD) for the club’s kits, which was £25 million (approximately $31 million USD) more than New Balance’s older deal.
However The Athletic has revealed New Balance argue that they’ve triggered a clause to match Nike’s offer and keep the deal beyond May 2020. Liverpool are insisting that this isn’t the case, which has led to New Balance filing a dispute at the high court.
Speaking to The Athletic, a Liverpool spokesman said: “We can confirm that our kit supplier, New Balance, has commenced a legal dispute against the club. We will not be making any further comment during these legal proceedings.”
New Balance had paid the extra money to match Nike’s deal, but Liverpool argued that their improved bid still wasn’t a match because of Nike’s distribution network. Documents also showed a statement from New Balance about the deal, saying “In line with our current contract, we have matched the offer made by Nike.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 4")
“As part of the contract renewal process, LFC has called into question elements of the agreement and as such we are asking the courts for clarity on this case. Both we and the club are keen to resolve any contractual challenges as quickly as possible and have agreed to an expedited process in the courts.”
The new and improved kit deal would make Liverpool the second highest earner after Manchester United, who earn £75 million (approximately $93 million USD) a season from adidas, while Arsenal’s adidas deal netted the club £60 million USD (approximately $74 million USD).
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