United close to world record kit deal – reports
MANCHESTER United is reportedly close to sealing a world record £300m kit deal with US sportswear giant Nike.
The five-year deal will more than triple the amount they receive under the long-standing contract with the company, two national newspapers said.
Underlining United’s commercial might, if the deal is confirmed at this value, it would eclipse German supplier adidas’ £30m-a-year tie-up with Real Madrid – which is ranked the world’s richest club.
The reports said United could earn a further £15m annually after also being granted sales rights for the kit. This could take the total over five years to £375m.
At the start of next season, the Reds will change shirt sponsors from AON to American car brand Chevrolet, which will be worth £357m and due to run to 2021.
United’s London-based commercial arm, is expected to opened an office in New York in the coming months. A base was opened in Hong Kong in 2012 to help the business exploit the lucrative Asian market.
Such investment has paid off. September’s annual results showed that sponsorship revenues account for 42% of total revenue, and in 2012 rocketed 44% to £90.9m.
