Key Takeaways
- Adidas will provide a €100 million loan to support the growth of the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.
- The official match ball contract now runs for eight years, extending from 2026 through to 2034.
- The deal covers the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, relegation play-offs, and a new U-21 tournament.
The German Football League (DFL) has announced a major financial boost for the country’s top two divisions. The league body confirmed on Monday, 28 April, that it has secured a €100 million loan from sportswear giant Adidas.
This funding comes as part of a broad cooperation agreement between the DFL and the global corporation. The DFL’s executive committee gave unanimous approval to the deal.
DFL president Hans-Joachim Watzke praised the partnership. He described it as “significant for the league association” and an “exemplary signal extending beyond football.”
“Adidas and the DFL will work together to build a positive future for German professional football,” Watzke stated. He added that this financing model offers a vital option for investing in the Bundesliga’s growth during these dynamic economic times.
The agreement also extends the official match ball contract. The original deal was set to run from 2026 to 2030, but it will now continue for an extra four years until 2034.
Starting next season, an Adidas ball will feature in all Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga fixtures for eight consecutive years. The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup will also use the three-stripe ball.
Additionally, the Adidas ball will appear in the relegation play-offs between the two top divisions. The newly established U-21 competition will also adopt the official match ball.