Nike (NYSE:NKE) is on the verge of replacing Adidas AG (OTC:ADDYY) as the official match ball sponsor for the UEFA Champions League, thereby ending Adidas’s 25-year dominance.
Nike is in exclusive discussions to supply balls for all UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2031, including the Europa League and Conference League, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.
The deal’s value is expected to surge, potentially doubling to more than €40 million ($46.75 million) annually. This development marks a significant setback for Adidas, the Champions League ball supplier since 2001.
Adidas confirmed to the publication that it would not renew its role but will continue to supply other tournaments. Meanwhile, UC3, a joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association, told Reuters that it is in talks with Nike.
Nike did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment.
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