Major League Soccer (MLS) and Adidas have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership. Under the multi-faceted agreement, Adidas will continue to be the official outfitter of the U.S./Canadian football league, its clubs and youth academies. The brand will pay €780 million over the next seven years to continue as official sponsor and supplier of footwear and apparel. This extends a partnership that began when the league was founded in 1996.
Through this renewed partnership, the partners will continue to advance the sport and promote football culture and communities. Together, MLS and Adidas will launch new, inclusive initiatives to nurture, support and inspire a future generation of players and fans in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup (hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico) and ensure a legacy for beyond. For Adidas, the partnership is also a proven way to grow its business both on and off the field, not only in North America.
As part of the renewed agreement, Adidas will also recognize the best in youth football as the presenting partner of the MLS NEXT Golden Ball (MVP) and MLS NEXT Best XI. This includes equipment (all jerseys, footwear, training apparel and sideline apparel) for MLS clubs, as well as the official match ball for all MLS projects, including MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The new agreement includes additional investment in youth development and community activation.
“We are very proud to be extending our partnership with Major League Soccer. It is incredible to see the growth and success of the League and football in North America and the work that has been done,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. “Football is an important part of our history and who we are at adidas. We are committed to helping grow the game and could not be more excited as we approach the 2026 World Cup.”
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 29 clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the 2023 expansion team St. Louis City SC with goalie Roman Bürki, former goalkeeper of the Swiss national football team. The league is celebrating its 28th season in 2023.
The contract extension announcement was made as part of a series of events surrounding MLS is Back Kickoff Week.
