Nike to Keep Iconic Starball Design for Champions League Balls?
Aug 15, 2026, by Chris
- Adidas Partnership Ending: Adidas's long-standing role as the official Champions League match ball supplier will conclude at the end of the 26-27 season.
- Nike Taking Over: Nike is set to become the new official match ball supplier for the UEFA Champions League starting in the 27-28 season, in a deal reportedly worth around $45 million annually.
- Starball Design Retention: Despite earlier speculation about trademark issues, reports now indicate that Nike will very likely supply official Starball match balls for the Champions League, maintaining the iconic design.
With Adidas set to wrap up its long-standing partnership as the official match ball supplier of the UEFA Champions League at the end of the 26-27 season, all eyes are on what Nike will bring to the competition starting in 27-28. Following reports that Nike is taking over in a blockbuster deal worth around $45 million per year, questions immediately arose regarding the fate of the tournament's signature star look.
Will Nike Feature the Starball?
Earlier reports suggested that Adidas held trademarks over the iconic interconnected star panel construction, leading to speculation that Nike would be forced to develop a completely reimagined ball layout. However, according to French PSG source @lasource75006, Nike will very likely supply official Starball match balls for the Champions League starting in the 27-28 season.
UEFA originally created the starry brand identity back in 1992, with Adidas turning it into the famous match ball design in the 2000s. It remains to be seen whether Nike will adopt traditional star-shaped panels or a fresh graphic interpretation that fits their modern ball technology.
Japan U20 Debuts All-White Away Kit Variant
The all-white variation of Japan's away kit made its official debut during Japan U20's dominant 8-0 victory over Cambodia U20 in the U20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previously, Japan premiered the original ensemble (black shorts and white socks) in a friendly match against Scotland, followed by an all-black shorts and socks variant during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Brazil.
Leicester City 26-27 Away Retro Collection Released
Expanding on their retro-inspired aesthetic for the season, Leicester City and Adidas have officially dropped a new lifestyle apparel collection under the Adidas Originals banner. Following the popular launch of their Trefoil away shirt earlier this summer, the latest range focuses on timeless club heritage infused with classic Three Stripes street style.
The standout piece of the collection is a royal blue long-sleeve jersey adorned with an intricate all-over diagonal jacquard pattern. Much like the 26-27 away kit, the piece prominently features the iconic Adidas Trefoil alongside Leicester's nostalgic 'Running Fox' crest, which famously adorned the club's shirts until 1992. Matching royal blue three stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves to complete the vintage look.
Alongside the long-sleeve shirt, the collection includes an archival blue t-shirt with a bold white chest stripe, classic track jackets, hoodies, and matching track pants. The full Leicester City x Adidas Originals range is available now at the club's official online store and the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
QPR to Wear Blackout Third Kit at Home
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will step away from their traditional blue and white hoops for their upcoming home fixture, wearing their 26-27 blackout third kit instead when they host Middlesbrough. The club stated that the team will sport the alternative strip at home for one match only.
The one-off switch is tied to a community initiative organized in partnership with principal shirt sponsor MrQ and charity partner KitAid. Under the campaign, supporters attending the match are encouraged to trade in their old football shirts in exchange for a complimentary blackout shirt, with the donated kits distributed to disadvantaged communities across the globe.
Crafted by Italian brand Erreà, the stealthy 26-27 third strip features tonal dark hoops accompanied by subdued, murdered-out club crest and sponsor details.
Chievo Verona 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian Serie D side AC Chievo Verona and technical sponsor EVOL have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 campaign. Following the release of their classic gialloblù home shirt late last month, the newly revealed alternate strip introduces an artistic look built on a white base.
The EVOL Chievo Verona 26-27 away jersey features a white foundation accented by a bold, cracked-effect blue vertical stripe running down the center of the chest and echoed along the tops of the sleeves. Across the bottom hem, a tonal line illustration depicts the local Diga del Chievo weir, anchoring the shirt to the club's neighborhood roots. Fine yellow and blue trim outlines the collar and cuffs, with "Chievo Verona 1929" inscribed on the back of the neck and on the sleeve edges.
The design is completed with the club's crest over the heart, blue EVOL branding, and main sponsor Vitanuova printed across the front. The new away uniform is available directly through the club's official channels ahead of the 26-27 Serie D season.