The Champions League set for major change: Nike to replace Adidas as official ball supplier
The sports brand will take over from Adidas as the official ball supplier for Europe’s top competition. Adidas has been responsible for its design since 2001.
The Champions League is gearing up for big changes — and not just in format or competition structure. This time, the transformation will be felt directly on the field: UEFA is preparing to switch the official match ball supplier, ending one of the longest-running partnerships in European soccer.
According to reports, Nike is entering negotiations to take over from Adidas as the manufacturer of the Champions League ball starting in 2027. The proposed deal would run for four years, through 2033, marking the end of a 26‑year relationship between UEFA and the German sportswear giant, which began in 2001.
If finalized, the move would represent a major shift for both sides — and a symbolic turning point for the world’s most prestigious club competition.
A strategic shake-up behind the scenes
The negotiations involve UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA), which oversees marketing, commercial strategy, and sales for UEFA competitions. With Adidas’ current agreement expiring in 2027, Nike sees an opportunity to expand its footprint in European club soccer.
This would also mark a return of sorts: Nike briefly supplied Champions League balls in the late 1990s, before Adidas took over and held the role for more than two decades.
What it means for the competition
A switch to Nike would not only reshape the visual identity of the tournament but also signal UEFA’s push toward modernization and commercial growth. With the Champions League set to debut its revamped format in the coming years, a new ball supplier would add another layer to the competition’s evolution.
Fans, players, and clubs alike could be looking at a very different Champions League experience starting in 2027 — both on and off the pitch.
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