Liverpool Confirm Short-Term Extension to Finish 2019/20 Season With New Balance

Liverpool have officially confirmed an extension to their deal with kit supplier New Balance, on the day a lucrative contract with Nike was due to take effect.


The Reds won a legal battle with New Balance earlier this year, greenlighting an anticipated agreement with Nike to manufacture their kits, training gear and other merchandise from 2020/21 onwards.


The switch in suppliers was due to take effect from 1 June, but that was before the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the conclusion of the Premier League season deep into the summer.


As a result, New Balance will continue to manufacture the kits until 31 July - by which point the Premier League should be concluded.


A statement on the Liverpool website reads: "Liverpool FC can confirm New Balance will continue as the club's official kit supplier until July 31, 2020.


"It has been mutually agreed with New Balance, the club and incoming kit supplier Nike that the deal, which was due to come to an end on May 31, 2020, will be extended due to the Premier League being suspended as a result of COVID-19.


"Nike’s term as official kit supplier to the club, outfitting the men’s, women’s and Academy squads, as well as coaching staff and Liverpool FC Foundation, is due to commence on August 1, 2020."


Virgil van Dijk Banner Displayed at Liverpool Lime Street

The Athletic's James Pearce adds that staff are preparing for a major launch event on the new date that Nike are due to assume responsibility.


No plans have been announced for that lavish event just yet, and likely won't be for the foreseeable given that the UK remains in a state of lockdown.


In the past, it has been suggested that Nike's global brand was a major reason behind the Reds' switch from New Balance, while sporting icons like LeBron James - who is actually a minor stakeholder in Liverpool Football Club - could even be involved in the launch or ongoing marketing in some capacity.


Liverpool's focus for the time being remains on the planned resumption of their Premier League title challenge on 17 June. It has been reported that friendly matches could take place ahead of the anticipated restart, in order to acclimatise players to playing without fans.



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Source : 90min