NIKE HAS WON the bidding competition to become the official kit supplier for the Brazilian team at London 2012 and a supplier in the sporting goods category for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Frontloaded has learnt from a high-level source within a rival sporting goods company in Brazil that Nike won the tender which has yet to be announced by the Brazilian Olympic Committee.
The decision was made in January after bids were invited last year – however the contract has yet to be signed since the parties have still to finalise the kit and equipment requirements.
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the official announcement can only be made when contracts are signed.
The segment of the deal relating to Rio 2016 should be valued well below the Tier 1 partnerships signed by Rio 2016 for two reasons.
Firstly, national sporting federations within Brazil will still be free to make their own deals for Olympic training and competition uniforms even though Nike, as the official partner, will likely hold the podium uniform rights for the entire team.
This already happens in Brazil, with Nike, for example, outfitting the Olympic athletics, football and basketball teams and national brand Olympikus kitting out the volleyball teams.
Secondly, the Rio 2016 partnership does not include rights to the workforce and volunteer uniforms, which will be put out for a separate tender.
By Matthew Glendinning
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @mattglen