Despite his mandate to embrace greater transparency, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle has refused to disclose any details about the federation’s newly signed deal with Puma. This comes despite claims at last year’s JAAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) that the new contract surpasses an offer of over USD$6 million annually from Adidas.

In a recent interview with Sportsmax.TV, Gayle doubled down on his refusal to provide specifics about the deal, citing confidentiality clauses. When pressed on whether the contract was indeed superior to the Adidas offer, he remained evasive, stating, “What else would you want me to tell you?”

Asked again if the deal was better than what had been publicly revealed, he sidestepped the question. “It’s not a matter of better. We are in a deal or in a contract. And we will honour that contract,” Gayle said.

The JAAA President’s reluctance to provide details contradicts the federation’s commitment to increased transparency, which was emphasized during the 2024 AGM when the new Puma partnership was announced. At the time, Gayle had lauded Puma’s longstanding support of Jamaican athletics, especially through difficult periods such as the pandemic.

“Puma has been an invaluable partner, supporting grassroots initiatives, high school programs, and major national events like the Boys and Girls Championships and the Gibson Relays,” Gayle said in a statement released to the media at the AGM. “Their commitment far exceeds that of their competitors, ensuring we can continue to deliver excellence in athletics.”

However, with the deal now finalized, the lack of disclosure raises questions about why the federation is unwilling to provide further clarity on the terms, particularly given the revelation that Adidas had tabled a lucrative offer. The secrecy surrounding the agreement has fueled speculation about whether the deal is indeed as beneficial as claimed.

Despite Gayle’s insistence that the confidentiality clause prevents the JAAA from sharing details, the hesitancy to offer even broad assurances about the contract’s value continues to raise concerns. Given Puma’s deep-rooted relationship with Jamaican athletics, athletes and stakeholders alike are left wondering why the federation is unable—or unwilling—to offer more transparency on a deal that could significantly impact the sport’s future in Jamaica.