Puma are set to clearly overtake Nike when it comes to football competition sponsorship.
Puma Land Major Deals in Football, Including Takeover of Nike's Premier League Deal
Puma announced not one, but two big deals this week. They will supply the major football associations in Africa and South America - Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). This means that they will make the footballs for tournaments such as Copa America, Africa Cup, and Copa Libertadores.
This is not the first recent major Puma competition deal. Puma have also previously signed contracts with top-flight football leagues in Italy and Spain, Serie A and La Liga respectively. And that's not all.
Puma are also set to take over Nike's Premier League deal from 2025, meaning that the company will be responsible for designing and producing the Premier League's official match ball.
Nike have lost the deals for all major European leagues, but signed a deal with video game EA Sports FC (formerly EA Sports FIFA)
With Nike losing the Premier League deal, it also means that the sportswear giant will no longer be producing balls for any top league.
Adidas will still be the leading brand when it comes to football competition deals, as the Three Stripes will still be making the official match ball for the Champions League and the World Cup, the two most important football supplier deals globally.
Puma's latest moves in the football world are certainly impressive. With the company securing deals with major associations and leagues, it is clear that Puma are looking to establish themselves as a major player in the football market.
Indeed, it has been part of Puma's strategy to sign significantly more deals with athletes (e.g. Neymar, Grealish) as well other personalities (e.g. Rihanna).
What do you think about Puma's recent football deals? Will Nike strike back and sign any major league again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.