Despite their current deal ending at the end of the season and indications suggesting that Liverpool are set to sign with Nike, it appears that New Balance are not ready to end their working relationship with the Reds, which started in 2015, and it looks like the matter is heading to the High Court.
New Balance have enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with Liverpool since they started working together in 2015, capitalising on a period of continued success under Jurgen Klopp to deliver two of the biggest selling home kits in the club’s history. But the current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, and if reports are to be believed Liverpool look set to sign a lucrative new deal with Nike. New Balance however, do not appear ready to let go without a fight, and it appears the brand are set to take the club to the High Court in an effort to block their deal.
Liverpool's current six-year £45m-a-season contract with New Balance is due to expire at the end of the season, and the Champions League holders are close to a £70m-a-season agreement with Nike - which would be the most lucrative in the club's history.
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 believe that a clause in the current contract means that they have a right to match Nike’s offer and they want to extend the deal beyond the end of the 2019/20 season. Liverpool – who perhaps wrongly assumed New Balance would be unable to match the financial offer from Nike – feel that despite the monetary offer being made, that New Balance cannot match the global exposure, presence and distribution network that the Swoosh can provide.
A statement from New Balance said; “In line with our current contract, we have matched the offer made by Nike. 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.”
"Since 2011, when we entered into a record-breaking sponsorship with the club, we have delivered two of the biggest selling home kits for Liverpool fans and we continue to match the ambition and achievements of the club as it grows from strength to strength. As a long-standing and committed sponsor, we are keen to continue our strong partnership with Liverpool Football Club and renew our agreement in 2020."
A move to Nike is clearly the favoured option for Liverpool, but New Balance are quite understandably reluctant to let go of a deal that has seen Liverpool re-stablished themselves as one of the greatest teams in world football. Nike are naturally keen to jump on board with the European champions, not only because the Swoosh has never took place on a LFC shirt, but to restore a presence in the North West of England.
Stay tuned for more on the situation as and when it happens.
