Liverpool’s new kit deal with Nike after New Balance lose court case

The doors have been cleared for Liverpool's new kit deal with Nike to take effect from the end of this season.

New Balance had argued that they were allowed to match the terms of Nike's £30M a year offer, but the reds responded that Nike could not match their reach in terms of brand awareness.

The reds were therefore taken to court by New Balance who had wanted to continue their sportswear deal and offered around £40M a year.  Liverpool believe the overall package that Nike can offer would be more beneficial.

Nike's new LFC deal is expected to be for five years and contains some incentives for the reds.

The club will receive a 19% wholesale discount on kits compared to high street rivals with the odd million pound incentive to win the Premier League or Champions League.

The club will also receive 20% of all merchandise net sales no matter where they are sold.

In essence, according to court documents, Liverpool believe the new deal could earn them around £70M a season.

In court, New Balance had argued that they could create significantly bigger reach than under existing terms.

But Guy Morpuss QC, representing LFC, said New Balance's claim it could distribute the club's kit to 40,000 stores was "a myth".  He suggested that New Balance's claims about distribution were 'grossly overstated.'

"The idea that New Balance would even get football kit into anything close to those 40,000 stores is utterly fanciful."

Liverpool have suffered with supply issues at peak times in the last few years.  The European Champions home kit sold out and has been unavailable from many suppliers - whilst similar stock issues hit the popular home goalkeeper shirt this year.

Liverpool's new home kit design, by Nike, is expected to be unveiled in the middle of next Spring.

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