August 1 – Manchester United have announced a 10-year extension to its partnership with Adidas worth almost £1 billion.
United’s deal with the German sportswear brand as its official supplier runs to 2035 and “has a minimum cash guarantee of £900 million pounds subject to certain adjustments,” the club said, making it the most lucrative sponsorship in Premier League history.
“The relationship between Manchester United and Adidas is one of the most iconic in world sport,” said United’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
“It is very natural for us to continue our cooperation,” added Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden. “Adidas and Manchester United are two of the most important brands in international football.”
The deal for United’s single biggest source of revenue provides stability at a time when it is up for sale, with owners the Glazer family still weighing up offers from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and English billionaire businessman Jim Ratcliffe.
Crucially United return to the lucrative Champions League this year after securing a top-four finish last season under manager Erik ten Hag. The club still have debts in excess of £950 million in total – including outstanding transfer fee payments of more than £160 million.
The new deal follows on from the previous £750 million, 10-year agreement with Adidas. That began at the start of the 2015-16 season.
The club said that the women’s team and kit will be a focus of the renewed partnership.
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