Union Berlin Announce Adidas Kit Deal
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.”
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