The Premier League has announced that PUMA will become its new ball supplier from the 2025-26 season.
The Athletic revealed in the summer of 2023 that the Premier League was set to end its 25-year partnership with Nike and turn to Puma as its official match ball supplier after the English top flight’s contract with the former expiring this summer.
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American manufacturer Nike had the chance to extend the partnership but negotiations failed to reach a positive conclusion.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Puma as the official ball supplier of the Premier League,” Premier League CEO Richard Masters said. “Puma has a proud history of involvement in football over many years and we look forward to seeing the new ball used at all our matches from this summer onwards.”
Puma already sponsors eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City and has done since 2019. The German company also sponsors several notable Premier League players including Kai Havertz, Jordan Pickford, James Maddison, Marc Cucurella and Harry Maguire.
Puma replaced Nike as the Serie A ball supplier from the 2022-23 season and has also been La Liga’s official ball supplier since the 2019-20 campaign.
This season’s Serie A ball, made by Puma (Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
In addition to being the official ball supplier to English Football League (EFL) since the 2021-22 season, PUMA also sponsors AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund as well as Brazilian side Palmeiras. Several EFL sides are also sponsored by Puma including Barnsley, Rotherham United, Blackpool, AFC Wimbledon, and Peterborough United.
Nike had been the official ball supplier to the Premier League since the 2000-01 season, making at least two balls per season since 2004-05. This campaign was the first since 2019-20 that Nike did not supply three balls during the season.
Off the pitch, Nike had also worked closely with the Premier League to support a range of initiatives at the community level, whilst also backing Premier League campaigns such as ‘No Room For Racism’ and ‘Rainbow Laces’.
Puma CEO Arne Freundt described the agreement with the Premier League as an “important step in Puma’s brand elevation strategy.”
“We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many fans worldwide,” he added.
“With Puma’s ball at the centre of attention during every match in this incredible league, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”
(Top photo: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
