FA signs off on new long-term contract with Nike

The English Football Association has today (Tuesday) confirmed a 12-year extension to its kit partnership with US sportswear company Nike.

The agreement, which was first reported last week, will continue the relationship through to 2030. Nike has supplied England’s kit since 2013, when it replaced UK manufacturer Umbro.

The new 12-year deal, effective from August 2018, will continue to see Nike design and supply apparel to all 24 England teams based at the FA’s base at St. George’s Park.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the FA said it will represent a “significant investment” across English football and further support grassroots initiatives and the growth of the women’s game throughout the country.

The agreement was last week reported to be worth around £400m (€470m/$504m), which would make it the most lucrative kit deal in the FA’s history. Nike’s current deal is by far the biggest single sponsorship contract for the FA. It is thought to be worth between £30m and £35m per season.

Mark Bullingham, FA group commercial and marketing director, said: “It was always important for us to secure such a long-term commitment to allow both parties to build an even stronger partnership together.

“With the FA striving to be a world-class organisation, it’s vital for us to partner with innovative global leaders such as Nike and look to the future together.  As well as supplying all of our England teams with state-of-the-art apparel, Nike is a huge supporter of our technical division’s work and of grassroots football across the country.  It’s fantastic that this support will not only continue but increase from now until 2030.”

The FA deal comes after the French Football Federation extended its kit partnership with Nike last week. The FFF’s new eight-year deal covers the period from 2018 to 2026.