Kit Supplier Loses Lawsuit Against Liverpool Over Sponsorship Deal Renewal

Kit suppliers, New Balance, has lost a lawsuit filed against Liverpool over an alleged refusal to renew its contract as stipulated in the previous contract signed with the club has been struck out at the High Court in London.

New Balance dragged the Premier League club to court for signing a new deal with its American counterpart, Nike, despite matching rival's offer in terms of distribution and marketing of the club's products. Liverpool's sponsorship deal with the supplier will run out in May next year, but the Boston-based footwear maker hoped to retain its position as the supplier for yet another five years. 

Liverpool may have won the lawsuit, there may be yet another legal battle to face as NB reps have indicated that the ruling might be challenged at the Appeal Court. 

"We believe strongly that we matched the competing offer and would have delivered many more years of record-breaking kit sales," says New Balance spokesperson. "We're disappointed that we're not able to continue our successful sponsorship of the Liverpool Football Club."

Liverpool have signed a five-year sponsorship deal of £30million per year with the American supplier, however, Nike would commence its supply next year after the New Balance deal has expired.