Nike drops its lawsuit against US Olympic hopeful over New Balance deal
Nike has dropped its lawsuit against US Olympic athlete Boris Berian after attempting to prevent him from signing an endorsement deal with rival New Balance.
Nike drops lawsuit against Boris Berian
The sportswear brand announced yesterday (23 June) that it was dropping the legal proceedings which it launched against the 23 year-old track and field athlete in May.
The disagreement arose after Berian attempted to sign a deal with New Balance earlier this year, a move which Nike claimed was breached a prior agreement it had with him.
Berian’s endorsement deal with Nike expired on 31 December 2015, however the agreement gave the company until 28 June 2016 to match any other offers which it claims it did with regards to New Balance’s proposition.
A judge was scheduled to issue a ruling on the eve of the 28 June Olympic Trials however Nike announced that it was dropping the lawsuit which will now allow Berian to negotiate with rival companies.
Nike had come under mounting pressure across social media for its decision to take action against Berian with the #FreeBoris hashtag directing much vitriol at the company.