Nike to Keep Iconic Starball Design for Champions League Balls?
1 hour ago, 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.
VfB Lübeck 26-27 Home Kit Released
German Regionalliga Nord side VfB Lübeck and kit manufacturer Capelli Sport have officially unveiled the club's new home shirt for the 26-27 season, following up the release of the away kit. The Capelli VfB Lübeck 26-27 home jersey features a vibrant green base detailed with thin white vertical pinstripes and a subtle tonal diagonal texture across the front.
OH Leuven 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Oud-Heverlee Leuven have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt introduces a bold dark look for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The Jako OH Leuven 2026-27 away shirt features a black base with deep green vertical stripes and vibrant orange pinstripes running down the body. Dark green detailing appears on the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the Jako logo and club crest are centrally positioned on the chest.
What do you think of the new OH Leuven 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.