Corinthians Are in Talks With Adidas to Replace Nike as Their Kit Supplier From 2026
May 8, 2025, by Phan Tich Giay
Update: In a major development off the pitch, Brazilian giants Corinthians are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Adidas to become their new kit supplier starting in 2026. The club's long-standing relationship with Nike, which began in 2003, appears close to ending amid dissatisfaction over contract terms and product distribution under Fisia, Nike’s operator in Brazil. Big thanks to @mantosdofutebol.
Corinthians’ current deal is disputed, while the club states it ends in December 2025, Fisia claims it was automatically renewed until 2029. The situation could escalate into a legal battle. Meanwhile, Adidas is eager to regain a foothold in São Paulo’s football scene after parting ways with São Paulo FC in 2023. Securing Corinthians would mark a major coup for the brand in Brazil’s largest market.
A major shake-up could be coming in Brazilian football’s kit sponsor landscape, as reports from Mantos do Futebol and Gazeta Esportiva suggest Corinthians may be set to end their long-standing partnership with Nike by December 2025, despite Nike claiming otherwise.
Corinthians to End Nike Kit Deal
Nike and Corinthians have been partners since 2003, forming one of the longest-running kit deals in Brazil. However, relations between the club and the American brand, operated in Brazil by Fisia, appear to be strained, with a contractual standoff potentially leading to legal action.
According to reports, Fisia triggered an automatic renewal clause at the end of 2024, extending the deal through 2029. They claim they followed protocol by notifying the club via registered letter and emails. However, Corinthians argue the current contract, signed in 2017, was with a different entity and that Fisia’s renewal is invalid. The club insists the deal ends in December 2025.
Stalled Talks, Judicial Threats
Throughout 2024, both sides held multiple meetings but failed to reach a mutual agreement. Corinthians, led by president Augusto Melo, do not recognize Fisia as a legal representative of Nike in Brazil. Nike, on the other hand, is reportedly prepared to go to court to enforce the extension.
Renewal Offer Still Falls Short
Nike’s proposed renewal includes improved terms - increasing royalties from 14% to 25% and raising the annual fixed payment from $3.8 million to $6.2 million (approx. R$ 35 million). In 2024, the club reportedly earned R$ 10 million from royalties alone.
Still, these figures lag behind rivals: Palmeiras earns about R$50 million from Puma (with performance bonuses pushing that up to R$60M), while Flamengo receives around R$70 million from Adidas, with the potential to hit R$90 million. Corinthians believe their market value should place them at the top tier of kit sponsorships in Brazil, and Nike’s offer doesn’t reflect that.
While the current Nike deal prohibits Corinthians from openly negotiating with other brands, rumors are swirling. Sources suggest the club is quietly exploring options, and an announcement of a new billion-real deal could be imminent.
President Augusto Melo, under pressure due to financial mismanagement allegations and a rejected 2024 financial report, hinted at a game-changing agreement during a recent press briefing. According to Identidade Corinthiana, this could involve a new kit supplier from 2026 with a potential deal worth up to R$ 1 billion.
Fans are speculating about possible replacements. Adidas, currently without a São Paulo-based club after parting ways with São Paulo FC in 2024, is a leading candidate. Puma, which sponsors star player Memphis Depay, is also being mentioned, but a move seems unlikely after recently renewing with Palmeiras. A restructured deal with Nike could also be possible, but it would require both parties to scrap the automatic renewal and sign a fresh contract.
Nike continues to strengthen its portfolio in Brazil, with current deals in place with Atlético Mineiro and Vasco da Gama, and a long-term contract with the Seleção running through 2038.
Could Corinthians be gearing up for a historic switch in 2026? Let us know your thoughts.
Real Madrid 26-27 New Shirt Number Owners
Real Madrid have officially confirmed their squad numbers for the 2026-27 season. Thanks to @jersey_story for the design visuals.
Raúl Asencio steps into the No. 2 shirt previously worn by Dani Carvajal, while new signing Dean Huijsen takes over No. 4 from David Alaba. Endrick also returns to the No. 9 after his loan spell at Marseille.
Among the new arrivals, Ibrahima Konaté will wear No. 16, Marc Cucurella No. 17, Carlos Espí No. 19, Denzel Dumfries No. 24 and Yan Diomande No. 25. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva will continue wearing No. 20 following Fran García's departure. The number is closely associated with the Portuguese midfielder's most successful years at Manchester City.
Which new number catches your eye the most? Let us know your answer in the comments below.
Paris Saint-Germain Debut 26-27 Kits Featuring Two Stars
PSG debuted a two-star version of their 26-27 kits during recent friendly matches, commemorating their pair of UEFA Champions League titles. This special detail will be used exclusively in international competitions.
Despite Ligue 1 placing no restriction on star crests, PSG announced they will not feature the stars on their domestic league kits. Special thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the spot and graphic.
No More Nike: Adidas Croatia 2026 Training Kits Revealed
Following their switch from Nike to Adidas, Croatia's new training kit set for 2026 have been unveiled in the latest training camp for youth teams' goalkeepers.
However from what we've seen, both of the new jerseys are simply from Adidas Tiro 26 League template range, using default black and grey color choices. These are very likely just temporary options for the mean time, until the actual designs with probably bespoke colorways are officially released.
What do you think of the new Adidas Croatia 2026 training kits? Let us know in the comments below.
