September 24 – New Balance are battling to hold on to their kit deal with Liverpool and have filed a High Court to do that, though has said that it hopes a resolution to the dispute can be found outside of court.
New Balance’s £45 million-a-year deal with Liverpool began in 2011 and was renewed in 2015. The kit deal is up for renewal in 2020.
New Balance claims it has a right to match any competing offer for the contract and that it has matched Nike’s offer. Liverpool is said to have agreed a deal in excess of £70 million a year with Nike and is refusing to acknowledge New Balance’s claim of having a matching right.
“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,” said a New Balance statement.
“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. 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.”
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