Under Armour to Become England Kit Supplier? Nike in Serious Doubt About England Kit Deal
Could England leave Nike after the 2018 World Cup in Russia? According to a report of English newspaper Daily Mail that was published today, that's highly possible.
Nike England Kit Deal 'In Jeopardy' After Euro 2016 Disaster
According to Daily Mail's report, Nike's backing of the England team is in serious doubt after Euro 2016 as England's 'disastrous' tournament sent replica kit sales tumbling.
Even a winning start in Slovakia has not been enough to lift the depression at Nike.
The £32m-a-year kit deal with the FA runs until the 2018 World Cup, and even a winning start in Slovakia under new manager Sam Allardyce has not been enough to lift the depression at Nike as replica kit sales were far less than expected. What makes it even worse is the fact that there will be also no further big opportunity to boost the sale of England shirts before 2018 and, again according to Daily Mail, any hope of England matching world champions Germany's new £40m-a-year agreement with Adidas disappeared with that Euro humiliation by Iceland.
Most valuable International Football Shirt Sponsorship Deals
| Country | Kit Supplier | Value | Deal ends |
| Germany | Adidas | €50m | 2022 |
| France | Nike | €42.6m | 2018 |
| England | Nike | €34.5m | 2018 |
| Brazil | Nike | €30.7m | 2018 |
| Spain | Adidas | - | 2026 |
| Italy | Puma | €18m | 2022 |
Nike are also said to be already examining the future benefits of their related FA tie-ups, which include a second-tier FA Cup partnership and St George’s Park sponsorship.
Daily Mail reports that if Nike would decide not to continue with their England kit deal, Under Armour would be the most likely successor as German company Adidas would prove a more difficult fit for the FA. A Nike spokesman said they never comment about contract negotiations.
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