Adidas is set to significantly expand its top tier of sponsored clubs, with Turkish giants Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe confirmed to be promoted to "Elite Team" status starting from the 2026-27 season. Thanks to Opaleak for the heads-up.
Adidas to Have 10 Elite Teams in 25-26 Season
Besiktas & Fenerbahce to Become Adidas Elite Team From 2026-27 Season
The promotion of Beşiktaş to the elite category was officially confirmed by board member Toygun Batallı, who stated:
"This year, as a result of our intense efforts and discussions with Adidas, we have had Beşiktaş included in the elite category. We are on an equal footing with clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Ajax."
Becoming an Adidas Elite team comes with significant benefits, elevating the clubs to the same level as the current top 10, which includes Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Juventus. For Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe, this means:
- Authentic Kits: From the 2026-27 season, they will receive authentic player-issue jerseys featuring Adidas's new Climacool+ technology.
Adidas to Release All-New Kit Technology, Brings Back Climacool/Climacool+ Name
- Adidas Originals / Trefoil Logo: They will now be eligible to receive special third kits or lifestyle collections featuring the iconic Adidas Trefoil logo, a privilege reserved for elite teams in recent seasons.
Leaked: Adidas Elite Teams 25-26 Third Kits to Feature Trefoil Logo, Colors Leaked
- Broader Collections: The clubs will receive more extensive and bespoke training and lifestyle apparel ranges.
Further Expansion: Celtic & Benfica Also Candidates
Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe are not the only clubs expected to be promoted. As previously reported by Footy Headlines, Celtic and Benfica are also strong candidates to join the elite tier from the 2026-27 season as Adidas looks to broaden its portfolio of top-level clubs.
Adidas Considers to Make Ajax an Elite Team
Benfica Unhappy With Adidas for Not Becoming Adidas Elite Team
What do you think of Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe becoming Adidas Elite teams? Which other clubs do you think deserve to be promoted to the top tier? Let us know in the comments below.