Jamie Vardy to Leave Nike?
Dec 29, 2015, by Pat
Will Leicester City hotshot Jamie Vardy leave Nike after three years with the brand? Vardy laced up in blacked-out Nike Hypervenom Phantom II football boots in tonight's match against Manchester City, prompting speculation over a switch of boot supplier.
Jamie Vardy Goes Blackout Against Manchester City
Jamie Vardy played in all-black boots against Manchester City. Upon closer inspection, it looks like Vardy's blackout boots are simply based on the orange Nike Hypervenom Phantom II boots which were released in August.
With the end of the year only two days away, it appears highly likely that Jamie Vardy's contract with Nike is up and that he's already weighting up his options ahead of a possible brand switch. It's not the worst time to negotiate a new boot sponsorship either, as Vardy is enjoying the best season of his career and looks likely to represent England at Euro 2016 afterwards.
Vardy wore soccer cleats from both Adidas and Nike throughout his career, as he sported the former's products in his early days at Leicester City. He soon signed with Nike, first wearing the Mercurial Vapor model, before moving on to the Nike Hypervenom.
Adidas, Nike or maybe even Puma? Which brand do you think Vardy will end up with? Let us know in the comments below.
Shakhtar Donetsk to Feature 'Invest in Ukraine' Sponsor Message in Champions League
Shakhtar Donetsk will sport an updated sponsor look during their 26-27 UEFA Champions League campaign. The Ukrainian champions will wear the slogan "Invest in Ukraine" printed directly below the logo of their principal sponsor, SCM, throughout the league phase of Europe's premier club competition.
The initiative is led by SCM (System Capital Management), the industrial and investment group owned by club president Rinat Akhmetov.
Shakhtar will play at least eight matches during the expanded Champions League league phase, hosting their home fixtures in London at Stamford Bridge.
Al Sadd SC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Al Sadd SC and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Following the launch of their traditional white home strip earlier this month, the Qatari powerhouse turns to a black and gold look for their away matches in domestic and continental competitions.
The New Balance Al Sadd 26-27 away shirt combines a black base with striking diagonal and curved gold linework across the front. The metallic gold treatment extends to the New Balance logo, the Qatar Airways front-of-shirt sponsor, and the monochrome club crest topped by two stars. As a bespoke detail, a golden wolf motif is placed on the upper back below the collar.
Black shorts and black socks complete the full New Balance Al Sadd 2026-27 away uniform.
Newcastle United Deny Adidas Stadium Sponsorship Rumors
Speculation surfaced online suggesting that Newcastle United were in discussions with kit supplier Adidas regarding a potential stadium sponsorship deal for St James' Park. The German sportswear brand already has a major presence across the stadium following the launch of their lucrative kit partnership, featuring branding across the stands and stadium facilities.
However, reports linking Adidas to an official stadium sponsorship deal have been swiftly shot down. According to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, Newcastle United are not in talks with the three stripes brand over stadium naming or presenting rights, with club sources strongly denying any Adidas involvement in such negotiations.
While Adidas is ruled out, Newcastle are actively in preliminary talks with other international commercial partners for a stadium sponsorship agreement. The club's commercial leadership aims to drive substantial revenue growth in the coming years while maintaining the historic St James' Park name alongside any prospective sponsor.
