New Balance Appeal Rejected: Nike Liverpool Kit Deal Confirmed
Nov 1, 2019, by Pat
Update: The Times' Liverpool correspondent Paul Joyce earlier today confirmed that New Balance's appeal against the High Court's kit case verdict has been rejected. Liverpool will wear Nike kits from next season.
A few days after the verdict was announced and just as many had expected, New Balance today launched a formal appeal against the High Court's decision.
It took just three days for the court to come to the decision to smash New Balance's arguments and allow Liverpool to leave the brand to join up with Nike on a five-year deal.
Following Liverpool's appeal will now go the Court of Appeal, who will decide on whether there are sufficient grounds for the appeal.
The main reason for Judge Tear to throw out New Balance's offer, which was based on a matching rights clause in the contract that was closed between Liverpool and New Balance in 2011, was that Nike offered superior marketing incentives - something that he felt New Balance could not match.
"I have therefore concluded that the New Balance offer on marketing was less favourable to Liverpool FC than the Nike offer because Liverpool FC cannot require New Balance, on the terms of its offer, to use global superstar athletes 'of the calibre of LeBron James, Serena Williams, Drake etc.', he wrote in his judgment.
It will have to be seen whether New Balance's appeal will be granted, but a decision on this is expected in the near future.
Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Al Shabab 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab has officially revealed its new home and away kits for the 26-27 season, manufactured by local brand Offside. The home shirt presents a traditional look featuring bold black and white vertical stripes alongside a classic black collar. Meanwhile, the away jersey features a sleek black base highlighted by elegant gold details, shoulder piping, and a subtle graphic pattern across the torso.
Sunderland 26-27 Third Kit Released
Sunderland AFC and Hummel have officially unveiled the club's new 26-27 third kit, drawing inspiration from the city's rich history of glassmaking. The new design boasts a deep blue base covered in a repeating tonal stained-glass graphic pattern, which incorporates the classic football emblem from Sunderland's iconic ship badge.
Elevating the shirt's look are metallic copper accents used for the retro Sunderland crest on the chest and the Hummel branding on the shoulders. The outer back neck area features the inscription "Glass Making Since The 7th Century" in matching copper text, paying homage to Monkwearmouth's historic St Peter's Church and the roots of local craftsmanship.
The Sunderland 26-27 third kit is accompanied by a broader capsule collection, including a matching varsity jacket and pre-match warm-up range, with official availability starting August 14, 2026.
Alcorcón 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish club AD Alcorcón and kit supplier Kappa have officially launched the team's new away strip for the 26-27 season. The new uniform brings a bold design to the pitch, combining a distinct color scheme with Kappa's signature template elements.
The Kappa AD Alcorcón 26-27 away shirt features a deep green base paired with striking red accents across the shoulders. All technical details and branding, including the monochromatic AD Alcorcón crest, the Kappa Omini logos on the chest and shoulders, and the main front sponsor, are applied in a vibrant red tone.
Completing the set, the new away kit is paired with green shorts featuring red side panels, alongside matching green socks. The full uniform is available through the club's official online store.
Woking FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
National League side Woking FC and kit maker Erreà have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. This follows the earlier launch of their new home shirt.
The Woking FC 26-27 away jersey features a yellow base detailed with thin vertical navy pinstripes. Navy accents are applied to the collar and sleeve cuffs, accompanied by subtle gold trimming on the sleeves. The kit is finished with a monochromatic navy club crest and matching sponsor branding from Nuffield Health across the chest.
For the home shirt, Woking sticks to tradition with a classic half-and-half red and white design. It features black ribbing around the crew collar and sleeve cuffs with white accent lines, maintaining a clean look for the 26-27 campaign.
Swansea City 26-27 Third Kit Released
Swansea City and Joma have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 Championship season. The new strip completes the Swans' kit collection for the campaign, offering a sleek look inspired by the local coastline.
The Joma Swansea City 26-27 third shirt features a black base overlaid with a subtle tonal wave pattern across the body. A classic polo collar and matching sleeve cuffs feature crisp white piping, complemented by silver-white detailing for the Joma logo, principal sponsor AG1, and the standalone swan crest.
As with the home and away jerseys, Welsh identity is embedded throughout the shirt, with "ABERTAWE" printed on the upper back neck and the club slogan "Ein Hanes. Ein Dyfodol. Ein Ffordd." featured inside the collar label. Black shorts and socks complete the new Swansea City 26-27 third kit.
