In an exciting development for football enthusiasts and sportswear aficionados alike, Manchester United has reached a groundbreaking agreement with Adidas, extending their partnership for an impressive 10 more years. The deal is set to be worth at least £900m, solidifying it as the largest kit deal in Premier League history in terms of revenue per season.
The announcement came from United’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, who expressed his delight in the iconic collaboration between Manchester United and Adidas, which dates back to the 1980s. Over the past decade, the partnership has seen remarkable transformations in sportswear design and technology, making it one of the most remarkable alliances in world sport.
This renewed partnership, which commenced at the beginning of the 2015-16 season, marks the continuation of a storied connection. Adidas had previously supplied United’s kit from 1980 to 1992, cementing the brand’s presence in the club’s history.
Manchester United’s journey towards securing this record-breaking deal has been closely followed by football enthusiasts worldwide. As a result of their prior agreement with Adidas, a part of United’s yearly payments was dependent on their participation in the prestigious Champions League. However, in light of their absence from the 2022-23 season, the club saw a 30% reduction in annual payments. Nevertheless, United remains optimistic about their financial prospects, projecting record revenues for the upcoming season.
United’s revenue boost can be attributed to their enhanced matchday and commercial earnings, prompting the club to revise their annual forecast to an impressive £630m to £640m. This significant increase would surpass their previous best of £627.1m, achieved in 2019.
Despite the club’s strong financial performance, the American owners, the Glazer family, are still in discussions regarding a potential sale. While rumors circulate about the family’s interests, they have yet to finalize a takeover deal. Presently, the club faces substantial debts exceeding £950m, including outstanding transfer fee payments in excess of £160m.
Amidst this exciting news, the extended partnership with Adidas also brings added attention to Manchester United’s women’s team. Since its reintroduction in 2018, the women’s team has shown remarkable progress and will undoubtedly benefit from the increased focus and support garnered through this new kit deal.
Adidas’ chief executive, Bjorn Gulden, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued cooperation between the sportswear giant and Manchester United. Both entities share an unrivaled prominence in international football, making the partnership a natural fit.
As Manchester United and Adidas embark on this new 10-year journey, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate witnessing the evolution of their sportswear and the continued success of their beloved club. With the Premier League season around the corner, the partnership sets the stage for unparalleled growth and achievements for both parties involved.