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Lebron James owns a 2% stake in the English club.
- Liverpool FC part owner Lebron James took to Instagram to welcome the English Premier League side to Nike, after it penned a record new kit deal.
- The Reds announced the new deal on Tuesday, and according to The Independent, it is likely to be the most lucrative in EPL history, eclipsing Manchester United's yearly $98 million contract, also with Nike.
- "YNWA," James said, alongside a love heart emoji and a photo of the club's badge.
- "As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth," Liverpool's managing director said in an official statement. "We look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products."
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Liverpool FC part owner Lebron James took to Instagram to welcome the English Premier League side to Nike after it penned a record new kit deal with the iconic brand.
The Reds officially announced the new deal, which will begin in June, on Tuesday, bringing to an end its five year partnership with New Balance.
According to The Independent, the deal will eclipse the club's current annual $59 million contract with New Balance, and will also likely better Manchester United's yearly $98 million deal with Nike, making in the most lucrative in Premier League history.
James, who owns a 2% share in the club, and is a Nike sponsored athlete himself, shared his delight at the agreement on social media.
"YNWA," the Los Angeles Lakers star said, alongside a heart emoji and picture of the club's badge. "YNWA" stands for "You'll Never Walk Alone," Liverpool's club motto.
Liverpool had to go through the High Court to push its deal with Nike through, says CNN, after a dispute with New Balance back in October.
CNN reports that New Balance alleged Liverpool to be in violation of its $52.6 million-a-year contract with them by moving to Nike, with the terms of their deal entitling it to renew should it be willing to match the offers of any other interested parties.
However Liverpool argued Nike offered more in terms of potential marketing and distribution powers than New Balance, and the court ruled in its favour.
"Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity. We welcome Nike into the LFC family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, both at home and globally as we continue to expand our fanbase," Billy Hogan, Liverpool's managing director and chief commercial officer said in an official statement.
"As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products."
Liverpool is currently unbeaten at the top of the Premier League table, having won 19 of its 20 top flight games so far this season.
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