Following the early termination of their contract with Nike earlier this year, reports have surfaced suggesting that AS Roma are now set to sign a four-year technical partnership deal with New Balance.
Roma and Nike enjoyed an era of pure quality that spanned seven years, and with the recent news that the pair were set to cut short their existing deal, which was set to run to 2023, it feels as though we’ve been robbed of time in the company of greatness. While the reasons surrounding the termination of that deal remain a mystery, it did mean that the 20/21 season was set to be the last Swoosh fuelled romp through Serie A and Europe for the Italian side. The abruptness of the cancellation and the lack of clarity surrounding it prompted many to believe that the club must have a trick up their sleeve. But a few months on and that doesn’t seem to be the case, with reports suggesting that New Balance are leading the race too sign a deal with the Giallarossi.
A deal with New Balance has not yet been concluded, but the American brand seems to be the sportswear company destined to pick up where Nike leave off as technical sponsor of Roma next season. The figures of the deal are not known, but the duration of the contract is rumoured to be four years, a much shorter relationship than with Nike.
Nike’s time with Roma was a huge success, with the partnership really finding the perfect balance over the last few seasons, producing some of the best kits around, so it’s a shame not to see that continue. But New Balance will be eager to add to their roster, having lost two key European heavyweights at the end of last season in Celtic to adidas and Premier League champions Liverpool, ironically to Nike, adding another sweetener if they can get the deal with Roma over the line.
Ultimately it sounds like the decision rests with U.S. billionaire and AS Roma owner, Dan Friedkin. It seems likely that this one will come to pass, and it will be interesting to see what New Balance can do with the unique style and folklore of the city that Nike harnessed so well over their tenure.
New Balance with a lot to live up to...
