After forming what’s been described as a game-changing partnership with adidas, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts is advising the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to seriously consider accepting a reportedly impending offer made by the global sports apparel manufacturers.

Earlier this month, adidas reportedly suggested an eight-year, $5.9-billion contract to the JAAA, with their current deal with Puma set to expire at the end of the year.

However, official talks between the JAAA and adidas can only begin in the final six months of the Puma offer, meaning no official offer has yet been tabled by adidas.

Senior director of sports marketing at adidas, Spencer Nel, confirmed to the Jamaica Observer that the brand is keen on collaborating with the JAAA, calling them, “one of the best track and field federations in the world, with an incredible history”.

Puma, though, has a ‘Right of First Refusal’ clause in its agreement with the JAAA, requiring the JAAA to notify Puma of any competing offer, and if Puma matches the offer, the JAAA must accept.

Grammy-award winning reggae sensation Koffee rocked the adidas x Arsenal Jamaican-inspired 22/23 pre-match shirt at the Notting Hill Carnival in 2022. (Photo: Aaron Crossman)

Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts.

JAAA President Garth Gayle told the Observer earlier this month that due to their current contractual agreement with Puma they wouldn’t discuss the contract offered by adidas. The JAAA, though, can discuss or negotiate proposals from adidas or other competing brands in June, which is six months before the expiration of Puma’s deal.

In 2023, after the expiration of the US$4-million ($624 million) deal with Umbro, the JFF signed a four-year deal with adidas to equip all of its national teams. Though the dollar figure for the contract wasn’t revealed, Ricketts said in January that adidas pays out US$1.2 million ($187 million) annually, US$2 million ($312 million) worth of apparel as well as a 20 per cent royalty from every Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz apparel sold.

While admitting no JAAA official has reached out for advice, Ricketts says, from experience, that adidas would be the right partners to further boost the sport.

“We can gloat about our partnership with adidas,” Ricketts told the Observer. “When we negotiated, it was in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it took us all of three years to finalise and to sign a contractual arrangement with adidas. I can say without fear of contradiction that they are a great set of people. We have always had great exchanges and relationship with every single adidas representative, and they are a company that are true to their words.

“Adidas is arguably the best sports apparel manufacturer, and for them to be reaching out to small JFF and small JAAA, it says a lot for us as a country and a brand. Believe me, JAAA must embrace and grasp this opportunity with both hands, because you’ll be partnering with a company that is made up of true professionals.”

The JAAA reportedly rejected a bid from adidas in 2014 and continued their partnership with Puma.

The Observer understands that the proposal includes cash rewards for winning medals at various international athletic events, such as the Olympic Games and World Championships; funding for infrastructure development and upgrades; athletic equipment; licensing and digital rights; and a 10 per cent royalty on net sales of all JAAA branded products annually.

In track and field, adidas has major sponsorships in Great Britain, France, Poland, and Ethiopia.

Adidas, however, has connections with Jamaica. They boast a number of Jamaican athletes, including global medallists Yohan Blake, Danielle Williams, Antonio Watson, and Oblique Seville. Additionally, they sponsor the Racers Track Club, led by renowned Coach Glen Mills, and the Sprintec Track Club, run by National Coach Maurice Wilson.