Other Teams Facing the Same Issues? São Paulo Leave Adidas, President Reveals Various Problems With German Three Stripes Brand

São Paulo Football Club today announced that it will not renew their five-year partnership with Adidas, which is set to end in December 2023. While the official statement of the club was very generous for Adidas, the president criticized Adidas heavily in an interview. Story via the fantastic Brazilian football shirt specialists Mantos do Futebol.

No More Adidas - Sao Paulo Announce New Balance Kit Deal

Dec 5, 2023

Sao Paulo have switched brands regularly in their history

São Paulo will switch to wearing New Balance uniforms in January 2024, which was confirmed by their president, Julio Casares, on the Roda Viva program on TV Cultura.

Sao Paulo President: Imperfect Treatment From Adidas for the Club

São Paulo x Adidas.

São Paulo president Casares criticized the German sports equipment supplier and cited several problems with their partnership, such as difficulties in product distribution, lack of exclusivity in the creation of products, and a missing four-hands-on-deck effort between the club and supplier.

According to Casares, these problems are challenging because Adidas need more time to develop pieces and has other clubs in their portfolio, like Cruzeiro, Atlético Mineiro, Internacional, and Flamengo, who are the only Brazilian club with better treatment.

In contrast, New Balance will prioritize Tricolor Paulista and provide exclusivity to the club. The announcement of the partnership was first made by Mantos do Futebol in May 2021.

Official Club Statement: After five years of partnership, São Paulo Futebol Clube and adidas will not renew the agreement to supply sports equipment in a contract to be terminated at the end of 2023. Over these years, adidas and São Paulo have released historic shirts that have been immortalized by tricolor fans in the three stripes brand's third spell at the club. The current season's uniforms and collection are still available for purchase on the club's and brand's official sales channels while stocks last.

São Paulo have yet to launch one last shirt in their Adidas partnership, which will be Pink October shirt.

Do you think other non-elite clubs are challenging similar problems when partnering with a big supplier like Adidas? Share your thoughts in the comments.