Brighton Players Get High-End Nike Dri-FIT ADV Kits, But Fans Can Only Buy Lower-Quality Replicas

Jul 5, 2025

by Chris

79 views

Kit Discrepancy: Brighton & Hove Albion's new kits have sparked controversy as the player-issue 'Authentic' shirts are superior to the 'Fan' replicas, but only the replica version is available for purchase by fans.
Technology and Texture Differences: The player-issue shirts utilize Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology with a complex weave and texture, while the fan replicas use standard Dri-FIT with a simpler texture, and the player version has heat-applied logos, unlike the stitched logos on the replica.
Fan Outrage: Fans are upset about paying £75 for a lower-quality replica kit while the superior player version remains unobtainable, criticizing the quality and expressing disappointment with Brighton's decision.

A major controversy is brewing around the launch of Brighton & Hove Albion's new 2025-2026 kits, as it has been revealed that the player-issue "Authentic" shirts are significantly superior to the "Fan" replicas – and the authentic player version is not being made available for fans to purchase.

Footy Headlines understands this is the first time in the Premier League that a club is supplied with Nike's top-tier Dri-FIT ADV (DFA) kits for its players, while withholding that version from public sale.

Brighton 25-26 Replica Vs Player Kit

Fans and kit communities have been quick to point out the dramatic differences between the two versions, leading to accusations that they are "might as well be a different shirt."

The key differences are:

Technology & Texture: The player-issue shirt is made with Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology, featuring a complex, engineered weave and texture visible on the fabric. The fan replica uses standard Dri-FIT and has a much flatter, simpler texture.
Logos: While the replica comes with stitched logos, the authentic comes with heat-applied branding

The decision has sparked outrage among supporters, particularly given the price point of the replica version. As pointed out by @thekitsbaia, fans are being asked to pay £75 for what they describe as "tat" and "woeful quality," while the superior version the players wear remains unobtainable (unless via auction sites like MatchWornShirt).

Kit enthusiast @Kitkingdom83 expressed similar disappointment, stating, "Brighton not selling the superior player shirts to fans is no bueno I'm afraid."

It is nothing completely new for Nike to create exclusive, better shirts for players. In the past, Nike has already provided several national teams with player-exclusive kits.

The issue also extends to the newly revealed lilac away kit. While the club is keeping the popular previous away kit as a third choice for the new season (a move praised by some for its two-year cycle), the lack of an authentic option for the new home and away shirts has soured the launch for many.

Check out all Brighton & Hove Albion kits on Football Kit Archive

What do you think of Nike giving players better kits than the fans? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below the article, and see the 25-26 Kit Overview for all Premier League kit leaks.