Confirming one of the worst kept secrets in football, Liverpool have officially announced a multi-year partnership with Nike as their official kit supplier from the beginning of the 2020/21 season, a move that will undoubtedly boost the club’s international profile.
Liverpool are seemingly unstoppable at present, and off the pitch their expansion has taken its next step with news that the club have signed a deal to make Nike their official kit supplier. The agreement will see Nike outfitting the men’s, women’s and Academy squads, as well as coaching staff and Liverpool FC Foundation, while the partnership coincides with the club’s move into a new, state-of-the-art training facility in Kirkby for the 2020/21 season, a project that includes investment in improved sport facilities for the local community.
Billy Hogan, LFC’s managing director and chief commercial officer, said: “Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity. We welcome Nike into the LFC family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, both at home and globally as we continue to expand our fanbase. As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products.”
With the designs and fabrics locked and loaded for next season, this announcement comes as no surprise. With Liverpool seemingly already having one hand on the Premier League trophy after winning the Champions League last season and the World Club Cup this season, the club’s stock is undoubtedly on the rise, and the partnership with Nike will only serve to boost their international profile further.
While success on the pitch will always bring shirt sales, the promise of key influencers such as Serena Williams, LeBron James and Drake all being associated with the Reds will open up new lucrative paths for the Merseyside club, in parts of America and the Far East – a key factor in the court's ruling against New Balance.
“Liverpool Football Club has such a proud heritage and strong identity,” says Bert Hoyt, VP, GM Nike EMEA. “The partnership with Liverpool underscores our leadership in global football, and with the club’s passionate world-wide fan base and strong legacy of success, they have a very bright future ahead. We look forward to partnering with them to serve players and supporters with Nike innovation and design."
Liverpool's partnership with Nike will be effective from June 1, 2020.
