Barcelona president seriously considering manufacturing own kits as Nike rift grows

Apart from the dilemma of securing a worthy successor for Xavi and addressing the looming financial crisis before the summer transfer window, another pressing concern is resolving the matter with Nike, the team’s current jersey sponsor.

With the Sports Apparel company uninterested in raising the terms of their agreement with Barça to a significant amount, Barcelona have been devising alternate strategies for a while now.

Decision expected soon

Now, as per SPORT President Joan Laporta is scheduled to make a major decision in three to four weeks.

Everything depends on whether Nike makes an unforeseen decision to continue their relationship for the following campaign.

If not, Laporta is ready to sever ties with Nike and introduce Barcelona’s own line of clothing under the direction of Barça Licensing & Merchandising (BLM).

Reports of Puma offering a bumper offer that trumps Nike’s have been doing the rounds, but Barcelona will have to bide their time before entering into an agreement with the German company.

Puma’s strong desire to support Barcelona and provide a sizeable signing bonus will not interfere with BLM’s business operations, guaranteeing a steady stream of income from non-apparel items.

Barça and Nike could part ways. (Photo by Getty Images)

In fact, Laporta aims to maximize revenue by leveraging Barcelona’s brand as a pathway to eventually transitioning to Puma.

Treading lightly

The biggest barrier to the Catalans’ current strategy is that Barcelona might suffer legal ramifications if their contract with Nike is terminated unilaterally.

As such, the Barcelona president is hoping to reach a mutually advantageous separation arrangement with Nike, with Nike requiring assurances that Puma would not take over right away.

Straight from the horse’s mouth

Touching upon the possibility of parting ways with Nike, Laporta acknowledged via Mundo Deportivo that the club is considering making their own kits.

“There is Nike, some Nike competitors… But there is a third way, to make our own shirt. These three ways are open,” he stated.

Laporta then highlighted the fact that efforts have been made to find common ground with Nike, but their offer does not meet Barcelona’s demands.

“It is a very important decision. There have been 27 years with Nike, we have had periodic meetings, we are having meetings, they have made an effort that I have greatly appreciated but it is not enough and we are going to decide what is best for Barça, the best option,” the President said.

Finally addressing Barcelona’s future with Nike, Laporta claimed: “It’s up in the air. There is Nike and there are Nike competitors who are also interested.

“It is the market and the market is telling us that Barça is worth more than what we have in the contract with Nike.”