LONDON: Chelsea have signed a “long-term” deal with Nike starting from next season in a partnership the sports brand describe as “the largest commercial deal in the club’s history”.

Nike confirmed the deal, which will see them supply Chelsea’s kits from the 2017-18 season up until at least 2023. The deal is understood to be worth £60m per season which adds up to £900m over the next 15 years.

Chelsea’s outgoing deal with Adidas was worth £30m a season but the new contract still lags behind Real Madrid – who earlier this year agreed a 10-year deal with Adidas worth around £106m every season – while Manchester United’s contract with Adidas is worth a minimum £750m over 10 years.

Brand president Trevor Edwards said: “Chelsea is a world-class club with a rich tradition and passionate fans across the globe. The partnership with Chelsea reinforces our leadership position in football. We are excited to help grow the club’s global reach, serving players and supporters with Nike innovation and design.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia: “This is an incredibly exciting and important deal for the club. Like Chelsea, Nike is known around the world for its excellence and innovation and we look forward to working together in what is sure to be a successful partnership.
“We believe Nike will be able to support our growth into new markets as well as helping us maintain our place among the world’s elite football clubs.”

Chelsea will part company with Adidas in May after a 10-year partnership.

The Blues’ deal with Adidas was due to expire in 2023, but the club and the sports brand agreed to end the sponsorship by mutual consent after Chelsea agreed to pay compensation.

Nike will now supply Chelsea’s first-team kits as well as strips for the academy side, Ladies’ team and training clothes from next year onwards.

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