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It has been reported today that the English FA are very close to agreeing a deal allowing the England national team to wear Nike-made kits.
As Nike currently own Umbro, the FA contract is in effect already with the US sportswear giant, but with the proviso that the Umbro division would be the kit manufacturer. However, news emerged in May that Nike intended to divest Umbro and this led to speculation over whether the subsidiary would be sold along with the England contact or if the Nike would take over that agreement for themselves.
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The latter now seems far more likely. The current deal lasts until 2018 but renegotiation would be necessary to allow the Swoosh onto the shirt and the reports state that a new Nike Away kit may be released in Spring 2013, with slight adjustment of the Home kit to remove the double diamond and put the Nike logo in its place.
Umbro and the FA's relationship goes back to 1950 and, with just a short interruption by Admiral, they have produced the England playing wear ever since. If Nike do take over the contract then it will echo the recent transfer of Manchester City's deal to the parent brand.
