Nike to replace Adidas as Champions League ball supplier from 2027
Nike is set to replace Adidas as the official match ball supplier for the Champions League from 2027, ending a 26-year partnership with the German brand.
The American sportswear giant will also provide the official match balls for the Europa League and Conference League in a cycle running until 2031.
This agreement follows a highly competitive tender process launched earlier this year.
Reports suggest the incoming supplier offered around $45m (£36m) per year, effectively doubling the current fee to beat competition from rival manufacturers.
The end of an iconic era
Adidas has been synonymous with Europe’s elite club competition since introducing the famous starball design in 2001.
Because the incumbent supplier retains the intellectual property rights to the star pattern, the beloved visual identity of the tournament will fundamentally change.
The current ball will be used for the final time during next season’s showpiece match at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
Uefa recently acknowledged the legacy of the existing match ball during its 25th-anniversary celebrations.
“Since its debut, Adidas starball has transcended its role as a match ball to become a symbol of the Uefa Champions League’s spirit and identity.”
A return to European prominence
The new deal marks a significant return for the Oregon-based corporation, who previously supplied match balls for the tournament between 1997 and 2001.
A joint venture representing Uefa and European clubs confirmed they have entered an exclusive negotiation period to finalise the upcoming contract.
“This decision follows a highly competitive tender process launched in March 2026 by UC3 and its agency, Relevent Football Partners.”
Arsenal lead current tournament favourites
While the administrative landscape of the competition prepares for a major shift, the ongoing 2026 campaign is reaching a critical stage.
Quarter-final second legs are scheduled for next week, with several heavyweight clubs vying for a place in the last four.
Data specialists currently rate Arsenal as the statistical favourites with a 36% chance of lifting the trophy, following a 1-0 first-leg victory over Sporting CP.
Bayern Munich hold a narrow advantage over Real Madrid, while reigning champions Paris St-Germain are well positioned after defeating Liverpool 2-0 in France.
