Croatia to Leave Nike After 26 Years? Sign Adidas Kit Deal
- Kit Supplier Change: Croatia is reportedly ending its 26-year partnership with Nike and is poised to sign a deal with Adidas to become their official kit supplier from 2026.
- Financial Incentive: Adidas is offering a significantly larger financial sum compared to Nike's current deal, which is a major factor driving the potential switch.
- Timeline for Transition: Croatia would continue wearing Nike kits until the 2026 World Cup, after which the Adidas era would begin with the 2026-2027 season.
n what could be a bombshell move in the world of international kit suppliers, Croatia's long-standing partnership with Nike is reportedly coming to an end. According to a major report from one of Croatia's most influential newspapers, Večernji.hr, Adidas is in an advanced position to become the new official kit supplier for the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) from 2026.
Croatia to Sign Adidas Kit Deal
According to Večernji.hr, Adidas is in a strong position to become the new kit supplier for Croatia starting in the summer of 2026. This potential deal would end the partnership between Croatia and Nike, which has lasted for more than two decades (beginning in 2000 and set to conclude in the summer of 2026), marking a significant visual shift for one of the most recognizable teams in international football.
The proposed agreement would see Adidas offering a "significantly larger" financial sum than what Croatia currently receives from Nike, which is reported to be between €1-2 million per year. While Nike still has the opportunity to submit a counter-offer, the sentiment is that a switch to Adidas is imminent, with a final decision possibly being reached by the end of July 2025.
If the deal is finalized, Croatia would continue to wear Nike kits through the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (should they qualify). The new Adidas era would officially commence with the 2026-2027 season.
Nike, Adidas, and Puma Are All in Negotiations
According to the report, both Puma and Adidas have been in negotiations with the HNS in recent months as the current Nike contract, which expires on July 31, 2026, nears its end. However, sources close to the federation indicate that Adidas's position in the negotiations is "much better" and that the deal is now "practically done."
End of a 26-Year Nike Era
A switch to Adidas would close a 26-year chapter with Nike, which began back in 2000. Before that, Croatia was famously supplied by Lotto, wearing their iconic kits during their historic run to a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup in France.
This potential supplier switch is another example of the dynamic nature of the international kit market, which recently saw Germany announce a historic move from Adidas to Nike starting in 2027.
Check out all Croatia kits on Football Kit Archive.
What do you think of this potential historic switch for Croatia? Are you excited at the prospect of seeing the Vatreni in Adidas kits with the iconic three stripes? Let us know in the comments below.
