The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, that it would be ending its historic partnership with Adidas in favor of a new deal with Nike.
This decision marks a significant shift for German football, as Adidas has been the official kit supplier for the national teams for over 70 years.
The new agreement with Nike will come into effect in 2027 and will run for a period of eight years, lasting until 2034.
While the financial details of the deal haven't been disclosed, the DFB has stated that Nike's offer was "by far the best financial offer" on the table.
While the economic aspect played a crucial role, the DFB also emphasized the importance of the future partnership with Nike in supporting the development of football in Germany, including grassroots programs and women's football initiatives.
Reacting to the news, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf expressed gratitude towards Adidas for their long-standing partnership but highlighted the exciting prospects with Nike: "We're looking forward to working with Nike and the trust they've placed in us," Neuendorf said in a statement.
He further reassured that the DFB remains committed to achieving success with Adidas until the end of their current contract in December 2026.
This landmark decision signifies a major win for Nike in their ongoing rivalry with Adidas. It will be interesting to see how the American sportswear giant approaches designing kits for one of the most prestigious national teams in football history.
German fans, on the other hand, will have to adjust to seeing a new logo on the iconic jerseys they've known for decades.