The German Football League (DFL) has announced a four-year partnership with the global sportswear giant, adidas.
This agreement has confirmed the brand as the official match ball supplier for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. This strategic alliance marks the return of adidas to the heart of German professional football, with the agreement set to commence at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
Under the terms of the comprehensive deal, adidas will provide the official match balls for all fixtures across both top tiers of German football. The partnership also extends to prestigious DFL events, including the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup and the crucial relegation play-off matches, underscoring the significance of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 as premier platforms for global brands.
While the official start of the collaboration is over a year away, this announcement represents a notable development in the landscape of German football partnerships. adidas previously held the esteemed role of official match ball supplier for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 for eight seasons, from 2010/11 through the 2017/18 campaign. This renewed agreement signifies a powerful recommitment from the German-based company to its domestic leagues.
Commenting on the alliance, DFL CEO Steffen Merkel said, “The selection of the right official matchball is of particular relevance for the Bundesliga, given it is the highest-scoring top league in Europe. adidas tabled a very strong offer, that was accepted by the DFL and the 36 clubs in all parameters. We are very pleased about this return and the early planning security that comes with the co-operation. adidas is a company that is deeply rooted in Germany and at the same time has great global appeal. Together, we want to utilise this starting from the season after next.”
Marina Moguš, Managing Director for Central Europe at adidas, added, “We are very excited about the new partnership with the DFL. The future cooperation once again strengthens our presence in the domestic market. After all these years, it was very important to us to once again provide the official match ball for the German Bundesliga. Now we can hardly wait to write a new chapter together with the DFL from the 2026/27 season.”
The DFL’s decision to partner with adidas follows the conclusion of the current successful agreement with Derbystar, which has served as the official match ball supplier since the 2018/19 season and will continue in this capacity until the end of the 2025/26 season. Merkel acknowledged the outgoing partner, adding, “In view of the upcoming change, we would like to thank our current partner DERBYSTAR all the more for the excellent, trusting cooperation throughout the partnership.”
This strategic alliance between the DFL and adidas is poised to inject a fresh visual identity into Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 matches, further enhancing the leagues’ global reputation for quality and competitiveness. The four-year duration of the contract provides a stable foundation for both organizations to collaborate on innovative advancements in football equipment and further promote the leagues on the international stage.
The return of adidas as the official match ball supplier underscores the enduring appeal and significant global reach of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, attracting partnerships with leading international brands. Football enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly await the 2026/27 season to witness adidas once again take centre stage in Germany’s premier football competitions.