Nike Could Become UEFA Champions League Ball Provider After Budapest 2026

NIKE, Inc. could end adidas' 25-year streak as UEFA Champions League competitions' official ball provider after Budapest 2026.

In March, The Athletic reported that Europe's football governing body was entertaining talks the Swoosh and PUMA as potential partners for official match balls for its men’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League tournaments. More recently, it's been reported that UEFA is now in exclusive talks with Nike, a move that would see the North American sportswear juggernaut design and manufacturer match balls for football's beloved competitions.

The Three Stripes has been the men's Champions League match ball provider since 2001. The 2026 Final in Budapest on Saturday, May 30, could be the last time in a while that 3-Stripes branding appears on the ball for the European tournament.

The news arrives in the lead up to the 2026 World Cup™, an occasion that will see the German national football team dress up in adidas for the last time for the foreseeable future after 70 years. Germany's team signed a deal with Nike running until 2034.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of UEFA's official ball provider. You can shop current 2026 Champions League balls on adidas.com.

For more news related to "the beautiful game," check out the 3D-printed football boots by adidas.