Nike is "preparing a massive offer" to remain Barcelona's kit sponsor, according to Moisés Llorens of AS. The offer would be for €85M ($92.4M) per season and the duration of the contract is "yet to be discussed." The value of the deal "could be worth" up to €100M ($108.7M) per year based on incentives. The new contract "would take effect" in July '18. Nike has been working with Barcelona execs for months to reach an agreement "and although talks are advanced, there is still a lot to discuss." Under the current deal, Barcelona earns €35M ($38M) from the sponsorship and an additional €19M ($20.7M) from merchandise sales. The new proposal "would almost triple the money" for the club, an objective that Barcelona President Josep María Bartomeu and club execs "have set as their principal objective" (AS, 3/2). In Barcelona, Luis Mendiola reported the initial budget for Barcelona's new Palau Blaugrana arena will be around €90M ($98M). Barcelona Dir Jordi Moix admitted that the club "is open to a naming rights deal." Moix: "We are in contact with consulting firms that are looking for the best proposal. It is a task that is parallel to construction, with no rush" (EL PERIODICO, 3/1).
SPONSORS' VALUE RISING: In Barcelona, Jorge Giner reported Viewmetric, which analyzes returns from sports sponsorships, said that Barcelona sponsors Qatar Airways, Beko and Unicef saw their value increase by €303,300 ($330,600) after Barcelona beat Valencia in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey (SPORT, 3/2).
