International kit deals continue to heat up. After Nike beat out Adidas as Germany’s newest kit supplier, reports indicate Nike is on the cusp of losing its Brazil rights.
The American sports brand faces stiff competition in negotiating as future kit suppliers for the Seleção. That’s because other brands, reportedly Adidas and Puma, are bidding $197 million annually to produce the most famous yellow kits.
Nike currently pays $35 million annually, five times less than the offer. However, negotiations are also about a dispute over licensing fees.
According to Brazilan news site UOL (Universo Online), Brazil initially triggered the search for a new manufacturer due to Nike’s intransigence over royalties. Nike refuses to split shirt income with the Brazilian Federation, a fairly common practice for Brazilian clubs.
The CBF also demands that its future kit supplier promote the team’s kits more aggressively through broader retail outlets.
Nike has come a long way since producing its first football shirt for the Portland Timbers in 1979. Brazil immediately comes to mind when one thinks of Nike football today, particularly the late 90s and 2002 World Cup-winning shirt. Brazil’s 2022 World Cup kits and 2024 Copa America shirts also ooze with quality. Previously, Brazil wore Umbro kits before the 1998 takeover.
What a shame it’d be if Nike lost one of the most venerated teams on the planet. Adidas beat Nike to Liverpool’s kit deal only last week, starting beyond the 2025 season.
Photo: Instagram/cbf_futebol
