After a 25-year of partnership with Nike, the Premier League has confirmed that Puma will be replacing NIKE as its official match ball supplier starting from the 2025-26 season. Recall during the summer of 2023, it was rumored that the Premier League was considering dumping Nike and transition to Puma once the American manufacturer’s contract expired this summer.
It was learned that Nike had the opportunity to extend its long-standing agreement; however, negotiations ultimately did not played out in their favor in the end.
Speaking today, Premier League CEO Richard Masters said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Puma as the official ball supplier of the Premier League”. “Puma has a proud history of involvement in football over many years and we look forward to seeing the new ball used at all our matches from this summer onwards.”
Puma, a German sportswear giant, is already a strong name that has much presence in English football.
The company has sponsored eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City since 2019 and is also the sponsor of several high-profile Premier League players, including Kai Havertz, Jordan Pickford, James Maddison, Marc Cucurella, and Harry Maguire.
Though, it was learned that this is not Puma’s first foray into supplying official football kits for top European leagues. It became the Serie A ball supplier in the 2022-23 seasons and has been providing match balls for La Liga since 2019-20. Additionally, Puma has been the official ball supplier for the English Football League (EFL) since the 2021-22 seasons.
Beyond just serving English football, Puma had also sponsors clubs like AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian side Palmeiras. Several EFL teams, including Barnsley, Rotherham United, Blackpool, AFC Wimbledon, and Peterborough United, also have sponsorship deals with Puma.
Nike had been the Premier League’s official ball supplier since the 2000-01 season, producing at least two different designs per season since 2004-05. The 2023-24 campaign was the first since 2019-20 in which Nike did not introduce a third ball design during the season.
Off the pitch, Nike played a key role in supporting community-focused Premier League initiatives, including campaigns such as ‘No Room For Racism’ and ‘Rainbow Laces.’
Highlighted the significance of this agreement, Puma CEO Arne Freundt stated that the move represents an “important step in Puma’s brand elevation strategy.”
“We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many fans worldwide,” he added.
“With Puma’s ball at the centre of attention during every match in this incredible league, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”
