Nike Sues World Indoor 800-Meter Champion Over Move To New Balance

Nike Inc NKE has sued Boris Berian — the world indoor 800-meter champion — over a sponsorship deal.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, "Berian was approached by a Nike representative with papers alleging the 23-year-old violated his swoosh endorsement deal when he agreed to a sponsorship with New Balance Athletics Inc. and declined what Nike described as a matching offer."

The report said, "Nike is seeking a temporary restraining order that prevents Mr. Berian from competing in any non-Nike gear."

The latest lawsuit is another example of Nike's aggressive pursuit of athletes. Berian "has withdrawn from two upcoming races and may skip the Olympic Trials starting July 1," the report said, citing his agent Merhawi Keflezighi.

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"If Boris has to compete with a Nike affiliation, as Nike is claiming he has to, he will think twice about doing so," Keflezighi said. The agent added Nike's contract included conditions that New Balance's contract did not.

The Journal said New Balance offered Berian "a three-year sponsorship worth at least $405,000 that could be sweetened by performance-based bonuses, including $150,000 for winning an Olympic gold medal or $100,000 for setting a world record at the Games, according to a copy of the contract filed with the court."

In addition, "The New Balance contract didn't include provisions that would reduce his pay based on poor performance or injury, according a company spokeswoman, who said New Balance is planning to file an affidavit in support of Mr. Berian. Mr. Keflezighi said Nike's agreement included such reduction clauses, as they are known in the industry."

At the time of writing, shares of Nike were down 0.74 percent at $53.90.

Posted In: NewsWall Street JournalLegalSportsMediaTrading IdeasGeneralBoris BerianMerhawi KeflezighiWall Street Journal
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