Nike has secured an exclusive deal to supply and sponsor the Uefa Champions League match ball, marking the end of Adidas's 25-year dominance in the competition. The US sportswear giant will provide balls for all Uefa men's club competitions from 2027 to 2031, including the Europa League and Conference League. The deal's value is expected to roughly double to over €40mn annually, significantly boosting Nike's football footprint.

This shift follows Puma's recent takeover of the Premier League ball rights, signaling Nike's aggressive expansion in European football sponsorship. Adidas confirmed it would not renew its Champions League contract, though it will continue supplying other major tournaments including the European Championship and World Cup. The move represents a strategic win for Nike, leveraging the World Cup's global platform to drive long-term growth in the football marketplace.