Manchester United has confirmed a renewed agreement with Adidas, the official uniform supplier in what is regarded to be the greatest contract in the history of the Premier League.
ABOUT MANCHESTER UNITED AND ADIDAS
Manchester United is one of the most famous and successful football clubs in the world, based in Manchester, England. Adidas is a renowned sportswear company based in Germany. The relationship between Manchester United and Adidas spans several decades and has been a significant partnership in the world of sports.
History of the Relationship
The association between Manchester United and Adidas dates back to the late 1970s. In 1980, the two entities signed their first kit sponsorship deal, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. Adidas became the official kit supplier for Manchester United, providing the team’s jerseys, training gear, and other apparel.
1980s to 1990s:
During the 1980s and 1990s, Manchester United experienced a period of success under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. The team’s on-field accomplishments, including numerous Premier League titles and FA Cup triumphs, increased its global popularity. Adidas played a significant role during this time, providing innovative and stylish kits that resonated with fans worldwide.
2000s to 2010s:
The partnership continued to flourish through the 2000s and 2010s. Manchester United’s success reached new heights as they won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in the 1998-1999 season, securing the famous treble. Adidas remained a constant presence in the team’s journey, consistently releasing modern and eye-catching kits.
In 2002, Manchester United and Adidas signed a ten-year deal worth £303 million, at the time, making it one of the most lucrative kit sponsorship deals in football. The agreement extended their partnership until 2015.
A notable aspect of the relationship was the introduction of retro-themed kits, which proved to be highly popular among fans. These throwback designs often harkened back to successful periods in the club’s history, tapping into nostalgia and sentimentality.
ABOUT THE AGREEMENT
Their partnership will continue for at least another decade, until June 2035, according to a new agreement valued at least $1.1 billion. This announcement comes just in time for the commencement of the 2023/24 Premier League season next month.
In light of Manchester United’s recent confirmation of its return to the renowned Champions League, the renewal of this agreement marks an important milestone for the club. The club’s success in this event has a direct bearing on its financial arrangement with Adidas. A portion of the annual payments from Adidas is conditional on the club’s participation in the Champions League, per the terms of the original contract.
But there’s a catch: if the team doesn’t qualify for the Champions League for two years in a row, the yearly payments might be slashed in half.
This requirement emphasises how crucial it is for Manchester United to continue its stellar play and solidify its position in Europe’s elite tournament.
Even if discussions are still underway for a possible sale of Manchester United, the club’s Adidas partnership extension and return to the Champions League are both encouraging news. The Glazer family, the American owners of the club, initiated a formal sale process last year.
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