The Premier League has announced that Puma will become its official match ball supplier starting from the 2025-26 season, ending Nike’s 25-year partnership with the league.
Reports in 2023 suggested that the Premier League was preparing to switch to Puma once Nike’s contract expired. Although Nike had the option to renew the deal, both parties could not reach an agreement.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters welcomed the new partnership, stating, "Puma has a strong history in football, and we look forward to seeing their ball in action in our matches from next season."
Puma, a German sportswear brand, is already a major player in English football. The company has been Manchester City's kit sponsor since 2019 and also endorses top players like Kai Havertz, Jordan Pickford, James Maddison, Marc Cucurella, and Harry Maguire.
This isn’t Puma’s first time supplying match balls for top leagues. It has been Serie A’s official ball supplier since 2022-23 and has provided match balls for La Liga since 2019-20. Puma has also supplied balls for the English Football League (EFL) since 2021-22.
Outside England, Puma sponsors clubs like AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Palmeiras. Several EFL teams, including Barnsley, Rotherham United, Blackpool, AFC Wimbledon, and Peterborough United, also have deals with the brand.
Nike had been the Premier League’s ball supplier since 2000-01, introducing at least two ball designs per season since 2004-05. The 2023-24 season was the first since 2019-20 without a third design.
Aside from football, Nike supported Premier League campaigns like ‘No Room For Racism’ and ‘Rainbow Laces.’
Puma CEO Arne Freundt described the partnership as a major step for the brand, saying, "We are excited to bring our performance technology to the game and connect with fans worldwide."
With Puma now at the heart of every Premier League match, the brand aims to create memorable moments for both players and supporters.
