Union Berlin Announce Adidas Kit Deal
Feb 3, 2019, by Pat
For the first time in many years, Adidas has added a major team in Germany to its lineup, inking a six-year deal with Union Berlin of Bundesliga 2.
Since Union Berlin's current deal with Macron is only due to end in 2020, the Adidas partnership will come into effect in two stages. Starting in the 2019-20 season, the club's players will wear red-and-white Adidas shoes. It was not specified whether this refers to on- or off-pitch attire, but the former is unlikely to be possible for at least those who have their own personal brand deals already.
From 2020-21, Union Berlin's kits will feature the legendary 3 Stripes in a deal that will initially run until the end of the 2024-25 season.
While no financial details were disclosed, media reports state that the Adidas Union Berlin kit deal is worth around €700k per season.
Union Berlin joins Bayern Munich, Hamburg and Ingolstadt as the only major teams of Germany to wear Adidas. After the brand ditched contracts such as Schalke recently because it said it wanted to focus more on its top-tier teams such as Manchester united and Real Madrid, signing up Union Berlin might be a sign of things to come.
“We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with Adidas and and we’re convinced that this partnership will send the right signal for the future,” said Thomas Stäpke, Director for Finance and Sales at 1. FC Union Berlin. “Now, though, we are looking forward to our new shirt range with our long-standing partner Macron this summer, which, as in previous years, will feature some unique elements.”
Stäpke continued: “With Macron and our shoe partner Nike, we can look back on a trustworthy cooperation. We are extremely grateful for the time together.”
Paul Boerboom, Managing Director for Adidas Germany: “We are looking forward to the cooperation with 1. FC Union Berlin. As the world’s leading football brand, we are proud now to have a Berlin club as a partner. Focusing on major cities is an essential part of our strategy. The partnership with Union will help us to further expand our strong position in the capital. 1. FC Union Berlin enjoys a strong position in national and international football culture and have fans far beyond their city boundaries. The popular club is therefore an ideal partner for Adidas.”
Are you happy to see Union Berlin make the switch from Macron to Adidas? Drop us a line below.
Adidas 26-27 Champions League Stage Ball "Revealed"
Although not officially launched yet, the Adidas Champions League 26-27 League Phase Ball made an early appearance during Arsenal's two most recent pre-season friendlies. The ball keeps the iconic white star panels intact, while the surrounding hexagonal sections showcase a vibrant, multi-colored graphic design.
This could very well be the final Champions League League Phase ball produced by Adidas, as Nike is expected to take over as the official match ball supplier for UEFA men's club competitions starting from the 27-28 season.
Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the graphic.
River Plate 26-27 Away Kit Released
River Plate and Adidas have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip marks the return of the iconic tricolor look, celebrating the Argentine club's rich history and traditional aesthetic.
The Adidas River Plate 26-27 away shirt features classic vertical stripes combining red and white, separated by thin black pinstripes. Adding a distinct heritage touch, the jersey features the retro Adidas Trefoil logo in red on the right chest alongside the current club crest. The collar and cuffs are styled in crisp white, while black side panels complete the design.
White shorts with black stripes and matching socks complete the primary look of the new River Plate 26-27 away kit, while an alternative black shorts option is also available. The strip is already available for purchase through official club and Adidas channels.
Burnley Announce Emergency Front-of-Shirt Sponsor Change for 26-27 Season
Burnley have officially terminated their front-of-shirt partnership with prop trading company Finotive One just weeks after announcing the deal. UK automotive retailer Vertu Motors has stepped up to become the club's new Official Front of Shirt Principal Partner for the 26-27 season, covering the men's, women's, and academy teams.
The unexpected change comes right at the start of the Championship season, requiring an immediate update to all Castore matchday and replica kits. The updated kits now feature the Vertu wordmark alongside its shield icon across the center of the chest on all playing shirts.
To accommodate fans who already bought the 26-27 replica shirts with the previous sponsor printed on them, Burnley is offering free re-branding to overlay the new Vertu logo onto existing jerseys. Supporters also have the option to return their shirts for a full refund or exchange them for the updated version.
Manchester United 26-27 Third Kit Features Nameset Discrepancy
Manchester United and Adidas have released their new 26-27 third kit, featuring an ivory base with deep red accents and dark green trim inspired by the iconic doors of the Salford Lads and Girls Club.
Following the release, kit collector @TheShirtUnion noticed an interesting detail regarding the custom cup font on the back. In promotional photography featuring Lisandro Martínez, the player name is applied in a classic curved arch across the upper back. However, official product listings on the club's online shop depict player names in a straight horizontal arrangement.
Such variations between promotional photoshoot samples and official store graphics are not unusual for bespoke club cup namesets. While the standard online printing option appears to default to the straight layout, supporters may see the curved style applied during cup fixtures or through select retail printing services.
Al Nassr 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Official Images
Official images of the Al Nassr 26-27 third kit have leaked online, revealing an elegant design crafted by Adidas. The new shirt features a clean off-white base paired with rich gold detailing throughout, giving the Saudi Pro League club a sophisticated look for the upcoming season. Big thanks to @KamilBerberler.
The design is defined by subtle vertical stripes featuring intricate ornamental patterns running down the front and back of the shirt. Metallic gold trim highlights the collar, sleeve cuffs, and the iconic Adidas Three Stripes on the shoulders. The chest displays a monochromatic golden Al Nassr emblem alongside the gold Adidas logo, complemented by matching sponsor branding.
Completing the detailed look, a golden Saudi emblem featuring the palm tree and crossed swords sits on the upper back below the collar. Off-white shorts and socks with matching gold accents complete the full 26-27 third strip.
Atromitos FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Greek Super League side Atromitos FC and kit manufacturer Capelli Sport have officially revealed the club's new home kit for the 26-27 season.
The Atromitos FC 26-27 home jersey offers a fresh take on the team's traditional white and blue colors. Featuring a white base, the front of the shirt is covered in slanted, diagonal blue graphic lines that form broken vertical stripes. Capelli's signature four-square logo motif appears on the shoulders in blue, alongside the club crest on the left chest and Novibet sponsorship across the middle.
The back of the jersey remains mostly solid white, accented by blue player numbering with a distinct lined font structure and lower-back sponsor branding.
SC Farense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese club SC Farense and kit supplier Lacatoni have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Following the earlier reveal of their diagonal black-and-white home shirt, the new away uniform introduces a distinct green design rooted in the team's identity.
The Lacatoni SC Farense 26-27 away jersey features a rich dark green base accented with subtle white pinstripes running vertically down the front. Crisp black and white striping finishes the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, while the SC Farense crest is positioned on the left chest alongside Lacatoni's logo on the right.
Adding a tailored detail to the back, the shirt includes a large tonal lion graphic embedded into the fabric in reference to the club's Leões de Faro nickname. Main sponsor Barão Rodrigues is printed on the front, accompanied by secondary sponsor logos on the chest, sleeves, and back panel.
FC Dordrecht 26-27 Away Kit Released
Dutch Eerste Divisie club FC Dordrecht and kit supplier Capelli Sport have officially launched the new away kit for the 26-27 season.
The Capelli FC Dordrecht 26-27 away shirt is predominantly white with bold red accents, featuring a red crew-neck collar, red side panels, and Capelli's signature shoulder cubes. The sleeve cuffs incorporate thin black and red striping. A key design element of the jersey is the subtle, light-grey calligraphic script graphic printed across the front, drawing inspiration from local history and featuring historical terms such as Vryheyt.
The shirt is completed with the red Capelli logo on the right chest, the city coat of arms in the center, and the FC Dordrecht crest on the left chest. Main sponsor Keuken Warenhuis appears across the middle in black and red.
Novara FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Italian club Novara FC and technical sponsor Erreà have officially launched the team's home kit for the 26-27 season.
The Novara FC 26-27 home shirt comes in traditional azure blue, paired with a clean white crew-neck collar and white sleeve cuffs. The front features the classic red shield badge with a white cross on the left chest, white Erreà logos, and the Gorgonzola IGOR sponsor logo centered across the chest.
Customized local touches complete the shirt. The inner neck displays the phrase "Forza Vecchio Cuore Azzurro" alongside graphic outlines of the city shield and the dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, while "Novara FC" is written in white cursive script on the upper back.