By Mark Baber
July 9 – Nike has confirmed that they will not be bidding for the right to sponsor Manchester United kits. The 2014-15 kit, unveiled on Monday, will be the last made by Nike, bringing a 13-year relationship to an end.
In a statement Nike said “the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders.”
Manchester United had its worst ever Premier League season in 2013-24 and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite the dismal on-pitch performance, Manchester United are reportedly expecting a new sponsor to stump up £600 million over 10 years, dwarfing the nearly £24 million a year Nike are currently paying.
Adidas and Warrior are understood to be interested in taking over from Nike, although whether the bidding between the remaining potential sponsors will realise the record amounts Manchester United hopes for, to rebuild the team and service the remaining debt, remains to be seen.
In their statement Nike acknowledged that “Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans,” but explained that “any partnership with a club or federation has to be mutually beneficial and the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders.”
The kit deal with Nike was first agreed in 2002, but Nike and the club had failed to come to an agreement during their exclusivity period to renew the contract and have now declined to exercise their right to match any other bids.
“We look forward to a successful final season with the club,” said Nike in a statement.
The 2014-15 season will be the first of a seven season £365 million shirt sponsorship deal with US car maker Chevrolet. Manchester United’s previous shirt sponsor was Aon.
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