Wolves surprise fans with kits ‘out of left field’ this season
Wolves officially announced a new kit partner ahead of the 2024/25 season. The deal, however, is unique compared to other Premier League teams. Instead of opting to sign agreements with a massive company such as Adidas or Nike, the West Midlands side has partnered with SUDU.
The manufacturer, which currently offers athletic clothing and sneakers, was only just launched earlier this year. SUDU was created with help from funding from the Fosun Sports Group. The Chinese conglomerate has owned the English top-flight club since 2016. Although the athletics company was recently formed, they have nabbed former Adidas and Puma designers.
Not only does SUDU have an experienced design team, but they are also working directly with select Wolves players. One of the team’s stars to provide input on fabrics and designs is club captain Max Kilman. The defender claims that he has played an active part in creating the kit for the upcoming season.
Partnership allows the club to sell jerseys at significant discount
The decision to partner with a relatively unknown athletics manufacturer certainly seems like a gamble. Nevertheless, Joe Poole, an executive within SUDU’s corporate structure, claims that the move will help keep costs down. This not only includes fees for the club but also fans of Wolves. Poole says that the SUDU jerseys will be offered at a cheaper price compared to other Premier League shirts.
“By streamlining the supply chain, our new pricing model eliminates the middleman, which in turn allows us to reduce expense without compromising on the craftsmanship or materials,” stated Poole.
“This innovative partnership allows us to collaborate and deliver exceptional value for both Wolves and their supporters. We’ve seen the price of Premier League jerseys increase consistently over the past few years. Our philosophy is that a pro jersey should not cost £125 ($158), Wolves’ will be £80 ($100). A replica jersey should not cost £80 ($100), Wolves’ will be £58 ($73).”
Leaked photos of new away shirt have recently surfaced
SUDU and Wolves will release the team’s 2024/25 training kit on Friday, June 28th. Their official home, away, and third kits will come out later in the summer. Footy Headlines, however, has unveiled a leak of the upcoming away shirt. The jersey features a dark grey base with traditional gold trim. Included in the shirt is an abstract wolf figure as well.
Exact financial details regarding the deal were not immediately available. Nevertheless, team officials have said that it is a multi-year partnership. Wolves previously had a deal with Castore to make their kits. This partnership recently ended though after Wolves allowed the contract to expire. The British sportswear company was in place at the club during the last three seasons.
Wolves are certain to debut the new kits in their summer tour of the United States. The club will play three friendlies Stateside during July and early August. All three of these matchups come against familiar Premier League foes. The matches will also happen in three different cities along the East Coast.
PHOTOS: IMAGO