A number of Chinese online media, such as Titan24.com, Dongqiudi and Wechat media account Tiyu Meiyou Quan (ID: bjrbtyb), reported on July 17 that Chinese Super League team Beijing Sinobo Guoan was likely to stop its collaboration with Nike and might start  looking for a new kit supplier for the 2019 season. 

According to these media, after the CSL renewed its Nike contract as kit supplier of the league for the next 10 years, Beijing Guoan FC expressed their concerns following the announcement. Nike and Guoan have been engaged in conversations and negotiations with each other to try and  solve the problem. 

The main reason Beijing Guoan are opposed to the league’s deal with Nike is that they think the sponsorship income (CNY800m cash + CNY2.2bn VIK) is not good enough. After deducting various costs, the sponsorship income each CSL team will receive is only CNY3m-CNY4m per year, far less than Guoan’s expectations given that Guoan is one of the CSL’s teams with the best commercial value. 

It has been reported that Nike offered to customize the shirts for Guoan and promised to consider Guoan’s relevant commercial requests. However, it seems Nike has not realized any of their offers or promises.

Therefore, Beijing Guoan is reported to be considering stopping its collaborations with Nike and might choose to put out to tender for a new kit supplier as they have started their business and operations management for the 2019 season. However, if the team signs a new kit supplier, it may face fines from the CSL. 

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick