New Balance is taking legal action against Liverpool because they’re being prevented from matching Nike’s bid for the soccer club’s kit rights.

The Times reported on Tuesday morning that the English Premier League club were close to a striking a deal with Nike for next season and beyond. The proposed agreement would be ‘one of the most lucrative in British football’.

However, according to The Athletic, New Balance are seeking to match Nike’s £70-million-a-year a bid. New Balance contends that they’ve triggered a clause to match Nike’s offer and keep the deal beyond May 2020. Liverpool are insisting that this isn’t the case, which has led to New Balance filing a dispute at the high court.

Speaking to The Athletic, a Liverpool spokesman said: “We can confirm that our kit supplier, New Balance, has commenced a legal dispute against the club. We will not be making any further comment during these legal proceedings.”
New Balance had invested additional amounts to match Nike’s deal, but Liverpool contends their improved bid still wasn’t a match because of Nike’s distribution network.

“As part of the contract renewal process, LFC has called into question elements of the agreement and as such we are asking the courts for clarity on this case. Both we and the club are keen to resolve any contractual challenges as quickly as possible and have agreed to an expedited process in the courts.”

New Balance said in a statement, “In line with our current contract, we have matched the offer made by Nike. As part of the renewal process, LFC has called into question elements of the agreement and as such we are asking the courts for clarity. Both we and the club are keen to resolve any contractual challenges as quickly as possible and have agreed to an expedited process in the courts.”

New Balance has been Liverpool’s kit sponsor since 2015.

Photo courtesy New Balance