Nike Poised to Wrest European Men’s Soccer-Ball Deal From Adidas

Nike Inc. is in exclusive negotiations to make the match balls used in European men’s Champions League football tournament, potentially taking a contract that rival Adidas AG has held for 25 years.

The deal would cover balls for all UEFA men’s club tournaments from 2027 to 2031, according to a statement from UC3, which is the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs that handles marketing, sales and the delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.