West Ham United have unveiled their new home shirt for the 2026/27 season, with last season's sponsor BoyleSports remaining on the front. Premier League clubs agreed in 2023 to ditch front-of-shirt deals with gambling companies from this season, but the rule does not apply to Championship teams.
The Hammers were relegated to the second tier on the final day of last season despite finishing on 39 points. They joined Burnley and Wolves in dropping down and will play both clubs in their first four matches.
Kit Manufacturer Change
While the sponsor remains unchanged, there is one notable tweak: New Balance have taken over as kit manufacturers, replacing Umbro. The new kit was unveiled with players from the men's and women's teams, including Tomas Soucek and Freddie Potts.
The inclusion of senior stars has been interpreted by some supporters as an indication that the pair will have a role in what the club hopes will be a promotion campaign.
Soucek Injury and Determination
Soucek will miss the start of the season after suffering a worrying injury on World Cup duty with the Czech Republic. However, the 31-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, already has a comeback in his sights.
“This injury doesn’t change my mindset. If anything, it makes me even more determined,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’ll use these next few weeks/months to work, recover and come back stronger. As a player, as a teammate and as a person. Since the season ended, I’ve only had one thing on my mind. West Ham United. This Club means so much to me and I’m ready to do everything I can in helping get it back to where it belongs; to the English Premier League.”
Season Opener and Manager Commitment
West Ham will kick off the new season with a Carabao Cup first-round meeting with Portsmouth on August 7. Their first league game sees them travel to Burnley nine days later, while their home opener in the Championship is a London derby against Charlton Athletic.
Despite relegation, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has committed his future to the club. “Of course, there was a lot of noise, a lot of questions, but it was important to understand the time of the decision,” the former Wolves boss said. “After relegation for all of us it was sad. And it was a moment to feel and to understand. But there were never doubts on myself and the Board that this is something that we want to continue. And I'm really pleased [that I can]. I'm thankful for the confidence. Now it's time to work.”
