The iconic Champions League star ball is set to be redesigned after adidas were ousted as the official match ball provider for the competition.
adidas have served as the provider since taking over the contract from Nike back in 2000. The German manufacturer then introduced the starred design, which mirrors the Champions League’s logo.
When launching a 25th anniversary ball in January, UEFA stated: ‘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 is typically redesigned before each season and has special designs for each final.
adidas, who own the rights to the design, will be replaced after 25 years as the official supplier with Nike confirmed to be in exclusive talks over a deal.
‘UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC) that controls and manages the strategic marketing, sales and delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions, 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,’ a statement read.
‘This decision follows a highly competitive tender process launched in March 2026 by UC3 and its agency, Relevent Football Partners. No further comment will be made in the meantime.’
adidas, who still have one year remaining on their deal, have since stated that it was ‘proud to have created the most iconic ball range of all time’.
Nike reportedly saw off the challenge of both adidas and Puma, with the deal said to be worth around £33.5m.
The agreement will also see Nike replace Decathlon as the match ball suppliers for the Europa League and Conference League, with the French company having held rights under their brand Kipsta.
Nike, who were replaced by Puma as suppliers of Premier League match balls from the start of this season, last year ended another of adidas’ long-term deals.
The American sportswear giants stunningly agreed a reported £87m deal to become the kit supplier of the German national team from 2027.
It ended a historic 70-year partnership between the German team and adidas.
