FC Barcelona and Nike Clash Over Replica Jersey Sales

The sale of replica football jerseys has sparked a new dispute between FC Barcelona and sportswear giant Nike. The club receives no revenue from the marketing of these jerseys by a Catalan company responsible for distribution, with the arrangement carrying the consent and a share of the proceeds for Nike. The relationship between Barça and Nike has been strained for some time, leading to speculation about a potential change in sponsorship. The latest conflict has arisen over the sale of Barça replica jerseys, from which the club earns nothing.

The company selling these jerseys is Prendas Deportivas Roger’s SL, as reported by Cadena Ser. This company also markets replicas of teams like Real Madrid or PSG, with an annual turnover ranging between 17 and 23 million euros. According to a Barça report, Nike charges around two million euros.

The reason Barça does not profit from these garments is a document signed in 2018. The agreement excludes royalties for certain products, including sportswear or casual clothing, and Nike contends that replicas fall into this category.

These replicas are FC Barcelona game jerseys that, instead of featuring the Nike logo, bear the inscription “BARÇA.” They are commonly sold in kiosks and unofficial stores, and their sale is entirely legal.

The Barça-Nike Relationship Barça filed a lawsuit over this situation, which was temporarily halted due to renegotiations led by Laporta. The foundational document dates back to 2006, with various amendments. The latest, in 2018, specified that Barça could not negotiate with other brands.

Presently, Nike pays Barça 24 million euros in fixed royalties plus 42 million euros for sponsorship. The pre-COVID-19 figure was 52 million, and the agreement stipulated a return to that amount if Barça won three Champions League titles before 2026, with a minimum of one for the men’s team (the women’s team already won in 2023).

According to Laporta, there are other brands in the market offering double what Nike provides, and unless the company makes an effort, this longstanding partnership may be reaching its conclusion.