Liverpool Had Talks With Puma, Nike 20-21 Kits "Ready", 21-22 Kits Almost Finished - New Balance vs Liverpool Kit Day Two Trial Updates
Oct 21, 2019, by Chris
The court trial between New Balance and Liverpool continued at the High Court in London today. In the second hearing day of the three-day trial new details about Liverpool's kit deal process got revealed.
The Reds and current kit suppliers New Balance are battling it out in court over the future of their partnership. New Balance insist they can "match" a rival deal that is on the table from Nike, satisfying a clause in their existing contract that would allow them to extend terms.
Liverpool have held kit deal "conversations" with Puma, a High Court trial was told. Liverpool managing director and chief commercial officer Billy Hogan was called to the stand to give evidence this morning, and when it was put to him that emails suggested the club had also been in conversations with Puma, he agreed.
Liverpool have decided Nike is their preferred option to take forward the supply of kits, with the club having sketched out a five-year contract starting for the 2020/21 campaign. The trial has already heard that Liverpool have agreed on a design for next year's shirt with Oregon-based giants Nike, with plans for the 2021/22 season almost finalised too.
It was also revealed that Nike have spent around £6million on fabric for the potential new kit and have received pre-orders from around 8,000 stores. They have factory space for 2.9m units reserved and training designs also in place.
Mr Daniel Oudkerk QC, for New Balance, suggested to Mr Hogan today: "New Balance has benefited from its relationship with Liverpool under the sponsorship from Liverpool….and Liverpool has benefited from the investment from New Balance.”
Mr Hogan replied: "From its investment, yes". Mr Oudkerk discussed the contents of an email from Nike which suggested the company is currently preparing for capacity of 2.9million units - the same as New Balance.
Mr Oudkerk presented another set of emails on the terms of the Nike offer, and said: “If the first teams fails for any reason to compete in the group stages of the Champions League, there are various reductions to their contract and to the obligations. “If that’s right that would be very material to you wouldn’t it, as commercial director you would want to know whether there were financial consequences for not being in the Champions League?”
Mr Hogan, Liverpool commercial chief, said he had not seen this element of the contract. Mr Oudkerk said that clause with Nike means there is no distribution obligation at all if Liverpool fail to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, but Mr Hogan said that had not been discussed.
The email included a longer form contract for the club to review - Mr Hogan said he had not looked at it...
The trial is scheduled for a final day tomorrow.
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FC Andorra 26-27 Third Kit Released
The new FC Andorra third kit was released today, rounding out the club's matchday collection for the upcoming season. Made by Nike, the FC Andorra 26-27 third kit will be worn during the 2026-27 La Liga 2 campaign.
The launch of the third kit follows the recent unveiling of the club's home and away shirts, which dropped on July 8 and July 10, respectively. The kit features a predominantly red color with a clean, plain design. The sleeves stand out with darker red striped detailing, adding a subtle yet distinctive accent to the overall look.
Inter Turku 2026 Third Kit Released
Finnish Veikkausliiga club FC Inter Turku have officially released their new 2026 third kit. Made by Nike, the alternative jersey will be worn throughout the current domestic campaign.
The Nike FC Inter Turku 2026 third shirt introduces a fresh look for the team as they compete in Finland's top flight. Serving as a secondary change option, the latest kit aligns with Nike's modern template standards to provide a clean aesthetic on the pitch.
Fans can purchase the FC Inter Turku 2026 third uniform directly through the club's official online store. This launch completes the team's kit lineup for the Veikkausliiga season.
FC Argeș Pitești 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new FC Argeș Pitești 26-27 home kit has been officially released. It is made by Macron and will be worn in the upcoming Romanian football season.
The Macron FC Argeș Pitești 26-27 home jersey introduces a bespoke design tailored for the club, incorporating their traditional colors. Macron's logo is positioned on the chest alongside the classic Argeș Pitești crest. The new uniform reflects the ongoing partnership between the Romanian side and the Italian sportswear brand.
Matching shorts and socks complete the new Macron Argeș Pitești 26-27 home kit. The release follows the recent unveiling of the club's full set of kits, finalizing their look for the new campaign.
Nike Expands Mercurial Scorpion Boots to More Players for 2026 World Cup Final Stages
Nike has expanded the presence of its special-edition Mercurial Scorpion boots on the pitch for the final stages of the 2026 World Cup. Initially, the striking design was expected to be an exclusive colorway reserved solely for signature stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. during the knockout rounds. However, the boots have now been rolled out to several other high-profile players in the brand's roster as the tournament reaches its conclusion. Big thanks to bootsclub.
Taking inspiration from the iconic 2002 Scorpion campaign, the special colorway is available in both the Superfly 11 and Vapor 17 models. In recent matches, players such as Marcus Rashford, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Enzo Fernández have all been spotted wearing the Scorpion Mercurials. This wider rollout ensures the retro-inspired design gets maximum visibility on international football's biggest stage.
Oxford United 26-27 Home Kit Released
Oxford United and Macron have officially launched the club's new 26-27 home kit. The release marks the first chapter of the club's new Inspires Series, titled Art Inspires, which brings local creative talent into the kit design process.
The Oxford United 26-27 home shirt was created in collaboration with Oxford-based artist and lifelong U's supporter Andrew 'Mani' Manson. Incorporating unique artistic elements inspired by Manson's distinctive style, the kit offers a fresh take on the club's traditional look while celebrating both their identity and the local art scene.
The Macron Oxford United 26-27 home kit is available to purchase now through the club's official online store and physical retail locations.
RKC Waalwijk 26-27 Away Kit Released
The new RKC Waalwijk away kit was officially unveiled today. Made by Stanno, the new RKC Waalwijk 26-27 away shirt will be worn in the upcoming Eerste Divisie campaign.
Following the launch of the home shirt earlier this summer, the release of the away kit adds to the club's wardrobe for the new season. The Stanno RKC Waalwijk 26-27 away strip provides a fresh alternative look as the team prepares for life in the Dutch second tier.
Supporters can now purchase the Stanno RKC Waalwijk 26-27 away shirt directly through the club's official online fanshop.
