Nike Triumphs in Champions League Ball Contract, Ending Adidas Era
In a landmark shift for European football, Nike has entered exclusive negotiations with Uefa to become the official match ball provider for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League from 2027 to 2031. This move will see the iconic star design, introduced by Adidas in 2001, phased out after the 2027 final in Madrid.
Financial Deal and Design Changes
The US sportswear giant secured the contract by offering to double Uefa's current fee to approximately $45 million per year, outbidding incumbent supplier Adidas and competitor Puma. This significant financial commitment underscores the high stakes of football sponsorship in the modern era.
Adidas has held the Champions League contract since 2001, when it launched the Finale ball featuring a star pattern that mirrors the competition's logo. This design has become synonymous with elite European football, appearing in every match ball for over two decades. However, Adidas retains rights to the star design, meaning its final appearance will be at the 2027 Champions League final at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on June 5.
Historical Context and Future Plans
Nike previously supplied Uefa match balls between 1997 and 2001, using simpler designs that prominently featured its swoosh logo. The company will now collaborate with UC3, the joint venture between Uefa and leading clubs, to develop a new ball design for the 2027-2031 cycle.
The tender process was managed by Relevent Football Partners, a sports media and licensing company owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. For the first time, Relevent bundled the match ball contracts for all three Uefa club competitions, with Nike winning the rights for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Currently, the Europa League and Conference League balls are supplied by French retailer Decathlon under the Kipsta brand.
Broader Commercial Shifts
Relevent has implemented major changes since acquiring commercial rights for Uefa's club competitions from 2027 to 2033, replacing longtime partner Team. In a surprising move, Relevent awarded the global beer partnership to AB InBev, brewers of Budweiser and Michelob, ending Heineken's 35-year association that began with the Champions League's inception in 1992.
Additionally, Relevent has overseen global TV rights sales, achieving over 20% increases in the top five European markets. Paramount secured most Champions League rights in the UK and Germany for 2027-2031, while CBS Sports/Paramount holds US rights until 2030.
Incidental News: Barcelona's Uefa Complaint
In related Champions League news, Barcelona lodged a formal complaint with Uefa regarding officiating in their 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Atlético Madrid. The club contested a handball incident involving Atlético defender Marc Pubill, arguing that VAR failed to intervene appropriately. This highlights ongoing controversies in football governance and technology implementation.
