AFL Aussie rules football team Richmond has signed an apparel partnership with German sportswear brand Puma.
The five-year deal will cover the 2017 to 2021 AFL seasons. Under the agreement, Puma will provide all of Richmond’s playing and performance apparel, as well as the club’s retail range and off-field wear.
The partnership had been due to commence in 2018 but both parties have agreed to start the deal a year early after Richmond’s current apparel partner, Australian brand BLK, entered into receivership last month.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said: “For a number of reasons we had started to explore apparel partnership options. We had been in discussions with Puma for some time and given their reputation for quality service, and products, it was clear they are our preferred partner moving forward.
“We had agreed earlier this year to commence our partnership with Puma in 2018, however, given the issues with our contracted supplier, Puma have been able to step in immediately which is fantastic.
“While the situation with our current supplier is disappointing, the club has been proactively considering its options and is subsequently very well placed to deal with it.”