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Neither Haaland nor Gyökeres: Nike Brings Laporta a New Galactic Signing, Confirmed

Nike has stepped up its game after renewing its contract with Barça and has been key in closing a galactic transfer.

Barça has signed a new contract with Nike, which will keep it tied to the American multinational until 2038, profitting over 1.7 billion euros. This agreement hasn't only brought new developments in the monetary aspect, but also in the marketing aspect. Hours after it was made public, it was confirmed that the Barcelona brand will 'merge' with that of the late Kobe Bryant .

Kobe Bryant, who died in 2020 at the age of 41, was a well-known Barça fan. He loved the team a lot and never hesitated to appear in the Barça jersey. Now, the logo of his brand, Mamba, will also appear on the Barça jersey, in an agreement that has been revealed by the account of 'X', @memorabilia1899.

Instead of the Nike logo, the Mamba logo, the trademark that Kobe Bryant had with the American multinational, will appear on Barça's second kit next season. This will be part of a collection called the Mamba Collection, focused on the yellow and purple colors... like the ones he wore when he was a player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The logo depicting Kobe Bryant will thus appear on the Mamba Collection garments that FC Barcelona will wear in the 2025/26 season. This collection will consist of the first team's second kit, shorts, training clothes, sports trousers and jackets, caps and other garments. We are talking about a partnership similar to the clothing line that PSG has with Air Jordan.

Kobe Bryant, a Key Part of the New Contract between Barça and Nike

This agreement, with the blessing of the wife of the late Kobe Bryant, has become a fundamental part of the new multi-million dollar contract between Barça and Nike. The blaugrana club felt undervalued in recent years, relegated to a second tier, but now everything has changed.

As well as being the most lucrative contract in soccer history, including the renewal bonus, Barça will also be able to make more use of its own brand. Until now, Nike had been putting obstacles in the way of sales abroad, especially in the Asian market, but now this will be possible.

Two people interacting at a sporting event wearing FC Barcelona jerseys and a background with the club's crest.
Kobe Bryant, with Ronaldinho and Eto'o | Getty Images

As if that were not enough, combining synergies with the image of a star like Kobe Bryant will provide Barça with a goldmine in terms of marketing and jersey sales. Laporta is rubbing his hands, everything seems to indicate that the Mamba Collection will be a hit and will break several sales records.