PUMA among various sports brands vying for Barcelona sponsorship

Barcelona and Nike have become all but synonymous with one another ever since the first deal between the club and the American sportswear giant in 1998.

However, change of sponsorship may be on the horizon, with other brands on the lookout for opportunities should the club be willing to let go of its longstanding partnership, according to reports from SPORT.

PUMA, is seemingly the biggest name among many sportswear companies who have approached the Catalan club to seek a partnership and test out the waters.

Barcelona’s current deal with Nike runs on till 2028, but based on the Spanish outlet’s info, there is a chance they may be looking to establish ties elsewhere.

Barcelona want more money from Nike

Juli Guiu, the vice president of marketing at FC Barcelona, explained in an interview last week that the Barça brand is stronger than ever.

He supported this statement with the record-breaking revenue generated by the club’s commercial department last season, totaling 351 million euros, a 43% increase from the previous year.

However, the Catalans overarching financial woes are still prevalent, and they need to keep seeking additional revenue to improve the situation.

The most recent renewal between Barcelona and Nike took place in 2016 when then-president of Barça, Josep Maria Bartomeu, signed an agreement with the American multinational that came into effect in 2018.

The contract, approved by the Assembly of Committeemen, was valued at 155 million euros per season, however, only 66 million euros, comprising fixed and variable components, are attributed to sponsorship revenue.

Barcelona believe that there are bigger fish in the market, and thus may be able to get more bang from their buck.

Conversations have already taken place between Barça and Nike in this direction, and they have not been without a certain level of tension.

However, the club’s position on this matter is clear: they want more money because the market is providing better terms than what is currently agreed upon.