Brighton and Hove Albion sign kit deal with Nike

Brighton and Hove Albion have signed a “multi-year” kit deal with Nike which runs from the start of June, according to a report in the Brighton and Hove Independent.

The free weekly newspaper, published today (Friday 21 March) said that the sportswear group would provide the kit for the Albion’s first team, under-21 squad, women’s team and youth team.

They will sport the new outfits when they return for pre-season training at the club’s new training ground in Lancing this summer.

The deal replaces an existing agreement with rival kit manufacturer Errea which has run since 1999.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said that the new partnership had come at a good time for the club as it dealt with a loss of more than £14 million last year.

He said: “In securing a long-term agreement with Nike, we are delighted to announce another record-breaking partnership for the club.

“Nike is the leader in football and a huge global brand, which will help lift our club’s profile as we continue to develop.

“The new deal represents a significant increase on our existing commercial arrangement and we are looking forward to working closely with Nike to give our supporters a new kit and exciting product range.”

Nike also has deals with the England national team, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton as well as a stable of clubs on the continent.

The new Albion kit will be unveiled later this year.

The Brighton and Hove Independent said that the design of the home shirt would be unique to the Seagulls.

Nike has also promised “a highly technical range of training and leisurewear” for the club’s teams and fans alike.

Simon Williams, the club’s head of commercial, said that the club would retain exclusive distribution rights via its club shop website.