Atlético Nacional Unexpectedly Ends Nike Deal to Make Kits In-House From 2027
- Unexpected Partnership End: Atlético Nacional and Nike are terminating their long-standing partnership in December 2026, despite a contract renewal earlier that year, after 13 seasons together.
- Reasons for Termination: The early termination is due to 'irreconcilable differences' between the club and Nike, primarily concerning product distribution, commercial terms, and retail profit margins.
- Club to Produce Own Kits: Starting January 2027, Atlético Nacional will launch their own in-house brand to manufacture all match kits, training wear, and lifestyle apparel, aiming for creative freedom and increased profit margins.
Atlético Nacional and Nike are set to bring their long-running partnership to an unexpected end at the close of 2026. Despite having officially announced a contract renewal as recently as February 2026, the Colombian powerhouse and the American sportswear brand will officially part ways this December after 13 seasons together.
The news was broken by Colombian journalists Juan David Londoño and Felipe Sierra, who revealed that the agreement will be cut short due to irreconcilable differences between the club and the manufacturer. Disagreements reportedly centered around product distribution, commercial terms, and retail profit margins, leading Nacional's hierarchy to seek a clean break.
Club to Produce Its Own Kits in 2027
Nike's last kits for Atlético Nacional.
Instead of turning to another global sportswear manufacturer such as Adidas, Puma, or New Balance, Atlético Nacional are opting for an entirely autonomous route. Starting in January 2027, the Medellín club will launch their own in-house brand to manufacture on-pitch match kits, training wear, and lifestyle apparel.
By taking design and manufacturing completely in-house, Los Verdolagas aim to retain total creative freedom and capture significantly higher profit margins on merchandise sales.
The current 2026 kits, which debuted late last year and recently featured marquee signing James Rodríguez, will stand as the final chapters of the Nike era. The partnership, which started back in 2013, delivered numerous domestic titles and famously coincided with Atlético Nacional's 2016 Copa Libertadores triumph.