Record deal seals Corinthians’ future with iconic partner | OneFootball

Corinthians have officially extended their partnership with Nike in a major new equipment deal set to run until 2035, securing the club’s most lucrative sponsorship agreement to date. According to reports from Globo and UOL, the contract sees Corinthians receive an annual payment of R$59 million, more than double the terms of the previous arrangement, with annual adjustments for inflation now included—an improvement sought by the club for several seasons.

When factoring in performance incentives, merchandising, licensing, and additional bonuses, the overall value of the new agreement could reach up to R$1.3 billion over the course of the next decade if the most optimistic projections materialize. As part of the negotiations, Corinthians are set to receive a R$100 million signing bonus, providing a boost to club finances at a time of significant off-field turmoil and existing debt.

Corinthians and Nike first joined forces in 2003, and the club has been the brand’s priority in the Brazilian market ever since. This extension ensures the relationship will reach at least 32 years, with Corinthians currently the only Série A club to wear Nike kits—though Atlético Mineiro and Vasco are slated to join the portfolio in 2026.

Negotiations had become contentious in recent months, with Adidas tabling a competing offer reported to be worth R$1 billion over ten years. Sources indicate a major point in Corinthians' decision to stay with Nike was the threat of protracted legal battles. Nike had unilaterally activated a clause to automatically renew its contract until 2029, a move the club disputed since the renewal was initially processed by distributor Fisia rather than directly by Nike itself. Any switch to Adidas could have led to a costly court dispute, given the complex legal backdrop and the club’s ongoing financial liabilities.

Under the new arrangement, Nike responded to key requests from Corinthians, including improved delivery schedules, higher product quality, and greater autonomy over the licensing of branded merchandise. Notably, Nike agreed to relinquish a portion of their share from the sales of club-licensed apparel made by other companies, such as Approve, and forgave outstanding debts Corinthians accrued for exceeding annual kit and merchandise quotas in prior seasons.

Speaking anonymously, insiders described the deal as marking “a new phase” for both Corinthians and Nike, with interim president Omar Stabile’s management credited for smoothing relations after legal disputes during Augusto Melo’s administration.

In a market dominated by aggressive competition among sports brands, Corinthians’ decision to extend with Nike reflects both strategic caution and a recognition of the value in financial stability over a volatile switch to a rival. With the pressure of on-field results and mounting debts, club leaders have opted for predictability and maximized returns from a long-term partner rather than the uncertainty of starting elsewhere.

Sources: Globo, UOL

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