Inter Milan has extended their shirt sponsorship with Pirelli in a deal worth €30 million guaranteed over next three years (€10 million a year). That is €4 million a year less than the previous deal. But Inter negotiated bumper bonus clauses which include 100% increase in yearly payment if Inter Milan wins Champions League.
Earlier it was reported in Italian media that Pirelli are not interested in extended their deal with Inter Milan but Inter Milan offered to take less money than the previous deal with big bonuses clauses which prompted Pirelli to seal the deal with €10 million a year contract for next three years. Pirelli has been Inter Milan’s shirt sponsors since 1995.
CONTRACT | 3-Years (2016 to 2019) |
TOTAL VALUE | €10 million a year (€30m in total over next three years guaranteed) |
BONUSES | €14 million a year if Inter Milan qualify for Champions League. Will increase to €25 million a year if Inter Milan wins the champions league anytime during the three year contract period. |
Interestingly Inter Milan’s new deal is way down the packing order if we compare it to other european giants. Manchester United currently has the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet worth around €68 a year (£53m a year). While Inter’s city neighbours AC milan has a lucrative deal with “Emirates airline” worth around €17.5 million a year (€85m in total for 5 years).
It goes to show how important the champions league football is for the top clubs to secure more lucrative kit and shirt sponsorship deals. Pirelli were reluctant to hand the contract extension to Inter who are currently 5th in the Serie A table and we can safely assume if Inter fail to qualify for Champions League during the next three years they might have to look elsewhere for new shirt deal.