CONFIRMED: Nike to end Manchester United kit deal over excessive demands
Adidas and Warrior the leading contenders to replace them in 2015
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nike's 13-year association with Manchester United will come to an end at the end of the 2014/15 season, the sportswear brand have announced.
The Old Trafford club have been speaking with their current kit provider and other companies about a fresh deal when Nike's current one ends at the conclusion of the upcoming season.
The American company has now pulled out of negotiations due to the demands of Manchester United, who are understood to be looking for a figure in the region of £60m-a-season over 10 years.
A Nike statement read: "Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans.
"We are proud to have partnered with them for the last 12 years and will continue to sponsor the club until the end of the 2014/15 season.
"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.
"We look forward to a successful final season with the club."
The statement leaves Adidas and Warrior as the likely candidates to replace them.
German based Adidas made United's kits throughout the 1980s and is the kit provider to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Warrior, an American based brand established 22 years ago, currently sponsor United's great rivals Liverpool. Puma, the makers of Arsenal's kit, are not thought to be in the running.
United only unveiled their new Nike made kit on Monday. Today's news means it will be the last they make for Louis van Gaal's side.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments