With Michael Jordan’s Brand Eyeing Tottenham & Chelsea, Nike Suffers Blow as Puma Leads Race to Sponsor FC Barcelona

It looks like Barcelona could soon swap Nike’s iconic swoosh on its jersey for Puma. Nike has been sponsoring Spanish giant FC Barcelona kits since 1998 and they renewed the deal in 2016 with the new contract lasting till 2028. But after losing golf icon Tiger Woods from its ranks, the American brand could suffer another massive loss with the exit of the Catalan giants after the current deal expires.

As per Laia Tudel Prades, the Blaugrana board has to decide whether to switch- from Nike to Puma. Puma is also keen on shaking hands with the 5x Champions League winners. They’re reportedly preparing an offer for the defending La Liga Champions, which is much higher than its $824 million deal with Manchester City. Since Nike has yet to improve its offer, Joan Laporta and Co. might part ways with the former and follow Manchester City’s suit.

Barca is reportedly looking to get out of their deal with Nike before 2028. The current deal sees Barcelona earn a minimum of $114.75 a season which can reach as high as $169 million, depending on performances. But the club isn’t happy with that as only $72 million corresponds to sponsorship income. The Catalan club believes a much bigger deal can be secured, given that they are one of the highest revenue-generating soccer clubs in Europe. There has been interest from another American brand, New Balance, but Puma’s offer could be game-changing.

Puma is rumored to pay more than $300 million a year to Barca if the deal ever materializes. Barcelona’s aspirations for a lucrative deal don’t come as a surprise, as the club is dealing with debt of upwards of $1.3 billion. Currently, Puma pays Manchester City $82 million a year. City’s rivals Manchester United have the most lucrative kit deal in soccer with Adidas paying them  $114 million a term a year. Puma already sponsors German club Borussia Dortmund and Italian giants AC Milan, in addition to Premier League champions.

Barcelona’s potential walk-away could further hurt Nike, which is still recovering from Tiger Woods‘ exit. Nike and Woods brought an end to their 27-year partnership earlier this year. Turns out, certain English Premier League giants are also likely to add misery to Nike’s woes. Surprisingly, Nike’s long-time partner- Michael Jordan‘s brand is reportedly at the center of a PL move.

Michael Jordan’s brand to add to Nike’s woes after Barcelona exit reports?

Per rumors, Michael Jordan’s Jordan brand could likely sponsor the kits of English giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. But the question is Jordan brand is a subsidiary of Nike, so will it hurt them? The reason is simple. Having inked a 15-year deal with both Chelsea and Tottenham in 2016 and 2018, respectively, Nike is the sole sponsor of their jerseys. And Phil Knight’s Co. takes home the profit without having the burden of sharing it with any subsidiaries.

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However, if Jordan’s Jumpman takes Nike’s swoosh‘s place in Chelsea and Spurs kits, that won’t be the case. Nike will have to share a large part of their profit with MJ’s brand.

Besides, Chelsea and Tottenham do not make the best money from their Nike deal. The Blues get $70m a season while Spurs receive around $40 million but it is Liverpool who rakes in the most from the American company, with The Reds being paid around $80 million per year. Hence, it won’t be surprising if Chelsea and Tottenham look for a more lucrative offer and follow PSG’s suit to don Jumpman shirts. That would heavily cost Nike’s brand and image.

What are your thoughts on Nike’s Barcelona situation? Tell us in the comments below.

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