FC Barcelona members approved a landmark agreement with kit sponsor Nike on Saturday, just hours before the Catalans faced Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
The deal received overwhelming backing from Barcelona’s members, with 419 votes in favor, 27 against, and 22 abstentions. Although financial specifics remain confidential, sources previously informed ESPN in November that the agreement is valued at over €100 million (£83m/$104.2m) per year, excluding bonuses.
“FC Barcelona and Nike, two leading brands in the sports industry, are pleased to announce the start of a new multi-year partnership agreement, which will take effect from this season and which brings a new model of strategic partnership of collaboration between the two organizations,” the Catalan club said in its statement.
Delegate members ratify the new contract with Nike
✅ Votes in favour: 419
❌ Votes against: 27
⚪ Blank votes: 22 pic.twitter.com/UTLVLOcJFu— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 21, 2024
Despite the positive strides, insiders report that the income from the Nike partnership alone falls short of fully solving Barcelona’s financial challenges. In September, the club’s spending cap was set at €426 million (£354m/$444m), yet they remain roughly €60 million (£50m/$63m) over that threshold. This financial strain has impacted the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, who are operating under temporary registrations set to expire on December 31. To resolve this, Barcelona is said to be considering various strategies, including legal measures to secure extensions.
Some members called for greater transparency regarding the financial details of the agreement, raised concerns about merchandise pricing, and questioned the role of Darren Dein. Dein, an agent instrumental in brokering the Nike deal, also played a key role in Barça’s 2022 agreement with Spotify, a contribution that Laporta defended, crediting him for facilitating both partnerships.
Barça and Nike, partners since 1998, have solidified their collaboration with this new deal, which bolsters the club’s financial recovery as they work to comply with La Liga’s spending regulations.
President Joan Laporta stated that the new deal strengthens the club’s financial position without burdening its members financially while preserving its identity as a fan-owned institution.
“We are strong, convinced and determined to complete the recovery of the club in every way. And this agreement is along these lines because it helps this economic recovery a lot, and it also confirms this recovery. Barca has returned to the top of the world with this agreement,” Laporta said.
On the field, Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, relinquishing their top spot in La Liga. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona could drop to third place if Real Madrid secures a win against Sevilla on Sunday.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
