The Football Association announces Nike deal

03 September 2012 | Posted in Sponsorship, Soccer, Europe | By Eoin Connolly

The Football Association (FA) has agreed a kit supply deal with Nike for all of England's national soccer teams.

The American sportswear brand - which earlier this year announced it was to sell the FA's current apparel partner, Umbro - will launch a new range of England kits in the spring of 2013, with official replicas made available to England supporters. It will also provide official match balls for all 24 England teams and for the FA Cup, and will be a partner of Wembley Stadium and St George's Park, the new National Football Centre.

The deal runs until 31st July 2018 and will include a 'substantial reinvestment' into English soccer 'across all levels'. Since announcing its decision to sell Umbro in May, Nike has been in the process of switching its major supply deals, including Premier League champions Manchester City, across to its main brand.

Financial terms were not officially released but Nike's commitment is thought to at least match that of Umbro, with the Daily Mail reporting that the FA's take will rise from UK£25 million (US$39.7 million) a year to UK£28 million (US$44.46 million). 

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FA general secretary Alex Horne said: "I am delighted that The FA has secured this new wide-ranging and comprehensive partnership with Nike. It is an extremely exciting time for both parties with the opening of St. George's Park this year and The FA's 150th anniversary in 2013. I would also like to place on record our gratitude to Umbro and their significant contribution to the game, The FA and England teams, over a 60-year period."

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Charlie Denson, the Nike brand president, added: "The pride and passion of England fans is renowned throughout the football world and we are delighted to partner with The FA. We look forward to supporting England teams at every level with innovative product technology and playing our part to help develop the future of English football through our support of St. George's Park."