It will be viewed by many as another move of progression for footballs most rapidly expanding club – interest in the Blues truly is going global! Today Nike and Manchester City have announced a new partnership deal that will see the sponsorship of City move from Umbro to Nike from the start of the 13/14 season.
As parent company and big brother to the Umbro brand, Nike have flexed their muscles in a move that will see the American sportswear giants take the sponsorship reigns from the Manchester based company. The announcement comes 10 years after Nike's initial record-breaking kit deal with Manchester United in 2002 – a move which also saw them oust Umbro from the Old Trafford gates!
With Manchester now seen as the epicentre of English football, Nike couldn’t resist the opportunity to lay claim to both City and United. It will increase their number of sponsored Premier League clubs to four, with Everton and Manchester City both set to join Nike's long-term partnered clubs Manchester United and Arsenal.
The Umbro sponsorship of the recently emerged Premier League giants, which has been in place since June 2009, will continue to the end of the 2012/13 season, after which all kit, training wear and related products will be designed, manufactured and distributed by Nike. The contract will run until 2019.
“We’re excited by the opportunity to further develop the relationship between City and Nike Inc, which builds on the successful partnership the club has already enjoyed with Umbro, and reflects both the ambitions of the club and the Nike brand’s position within the world of football”, commented Nike Brand President, Charlie Denson.
Have Manchester City been promoted into the replica big league - what do you think of Nike's new partnership deal? Let us know what you think! Share your thoughts and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.