Nike Secures Exclusive Talks to Replace Adidas as Champions League Ball Supplier
The iconic Champions League star ball, a symbol of European football's elite competition for a quarter of a century, is set for a major redesign. This follows the dramatic ousting of adidas as the official match ball provider, with Nike confirmed to be in exclusive negotiations to take over the prestigious contract from 2027.
End of an Era for Adidas' Starball Design
adidas have served as the provider since taking over from Nike back in the year 2000. The German manufacturer introduced the celebrated starred design, which perfectly mirrors the Champions League's own logo, creating an instantly recognisable symbol on pitches across the continent.
When launching a special 25th-anniversary ball earlier this year, UEFA paid tribute, stating: 'Since its debut, the adidas starball has transcended its role as a match ball to become a symbol of the UEFA Champions League's spirit and identity. Each edition has captured the essence of the competition – from the host cities to the players who ultimately lift the trophy – serving as a marker of football history in the making.'
Known as the adidas Finale, the ball has been typically redesigned before each season and features special, unique designs for each final. adidas, who own the rights to this iconic design, will now be replaced after their 25-year tenure.
Nike's Major Football Coup and Contract Details
An official statement from UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) that manages commercial rights, confirmed the move. 'UC3 has agreed to enter an exclusive negotiation period with Nike to become the official match ball provider for all UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2031,' it read. 'This decision follows a highly competitive tender process launched in March 2026 by UC3 and its agency, Relevent Football Partners.'
Nike reportedly saw off fierce competition from both adidas and Puma to secure the deal, which is said to be worth approximately £33.5 million. The agreement represents a significant expansion for Nike in European football, as it will also see them replace Decathlon as the match ball suppliers for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Decathlon had held these rights under their Kipsta brand.
Adidas Responds and Nike's Growing Dominance
adidas, who still have one year remaining on their current deal, responded to the news by stating they were 'proud to have created the most iconic ball range of all time'.
This latest deal continues a pattern of Nike aggressively securing key football partnerships. Notably, Nike last year ended another of adidas' historic long-term agreements by striking a reported £87 million deal to become the kit supplier for the German national team from 2027. That move concluded a monumental 70-year partnership between the German team and adidas.
Interestingly, Nike's return to the summit of European club football ball supply comes after they were themselves replaced by Puma as the suppliers of the Premier League match balls at the start of the current season. The stage is now set for a new chapter in Champions League history, with Nike tasked with redesigning one of football's most famous pieces of equipment.
