Changes may occur as early as the 2025–2026 season.
Nike and Barcelona have a long history together; the American business has been producing the Catalan team’s uniforms for 25 years. However, Puma may soon be putting an end to this partnership.
The German company, which sponsors teams like Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and AC Milan and has high-profile deals with players like Neymar and Antoine Griezmann, is reportedly making a “serious charge” to replace Nike as Barça’s primary shirt sponsor. According to Mundo Deportivo, the idea of the Blaugranas leaving Nike has already generated conversation in the team room.
According to MD, sources at Barça did not reject Puma’s interest but instead chose to keep the topic under wraps because it is a “complicated issue” among the club’s decision makers. This is largely because of the rapidly deteriorating relationship between Barça and Nike, who have had major falling out over the past few years.
Barça has been complaining about Nike’s lack of product production, citing frequent stock shortages at the club’s facilities in recent years. Nike attempted to renegotiate their agreement with Barça during the pandemic, but the Blaugrana insisted they should receive a higher payment because they are one of Nike’s main revenue streams.
Given how little mutual understanding there is between the two parties, extending their contract would seem to be the last resort. Furthermore, there’s a good chance that the 2024–25 season will be the last with the recognizable “Swoosh” on the Barça jersey due to Puma’s strong attempts to seize control and offer Barça a contract at the top of the market as soon as the 2025–26 season.
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