Nike lose Premier League deal after 25 years - with Puma footballs to be used instead
Nike will no longer make Premier League footballs when their current contract expires - marking the end of an era with another sportswear giant poised to take over
Premier League footballs will no longer be made by Nike following the end of a 25-year partnership after contract negotiations were scrapped.
US giants Nike have been the official ball manufacturer since the 2000/01 season, with the 2023/24 campaign marking 24 years of iconic design.
However, The Athletic report that talks over a new deal did not been a positive conclusion with two more years on their current arrangement.
The report adds that league chiefs have reached an agreement with Germany based Puma, which will kick start from the 2025/26 season. Puma currently provide ball for both La Liga in Spain and Serie A in Italy - as well as across the Football League with their Orbita design.
Nike started with the Geo Merlin before moving to the iconic Total 90, more recently using the Nike Flight since 2020/21.
The official Premier League website says Nike's match balls have "brought pinnacle performance and innovation to the pitch, season after season".
Puma will have to win over supporters with their new designs from 2025, with the majority of fans in favour of the Nike designs.
One said on social media: "If they’re anything like the Puma kits, we’re in trouble."
A second added: "No more FIFA games, Puma PL balls - I no longer recognise my sport."
A third agreed: "Nike x Premier League is football heritage." A fourth concluded with a snap of the Total 90 winter ball: "The streets won't forget the best football of all time."
Nike's deal also saw them supply kit and equipment for youth events around the world, as well as with Premier League Primary stars.
Premier League footballs haven't always been made by Nike, with Mitre producing the leather orbs from the inception.
Nike released details of what could be their penultimate ball back in June, with an orange theme to their Aerow Sculpt technology.
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