Shortly after announcing the end of the sponsorship of the Israeli and Serbian national football teams, Puma revealed on Dec. 13 a new long-term partnership with the New Zealand Football Association (NZF), set to begin in 2024. Led by Johan Adamsson, Puma’s Global Director of Sports Marketing & Sports Licensing, and Andrew Pragnell, CEO of the NZF, the collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in international sport.
“We are delighted to partner with New Zealand Football,” said Adamsson. “Football is one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand, and we are thrilled to be able to continue the growth of the beautiful game in the Oceania region. We are excited by the ambition of NZF and look forward to pursuing success on the international stage together.”
The first international window with Puma apparel is scheduled for February 2024. Puma will outfit all ten of New Zealand’s national soccer teams, including the men’s and women’s teams from U-17 to senior, as well as the futsal teams and the eFootball team.
The New Zealand men’s team, known as the All Whites after their iconic white jersey, has played in the World Cup twice (1982 and 2010) and won the OFC Nations Cup five times. The women’s team, the Ford Football Ferns, has competed in the Women’s World Cup six times and won the OFC Nations Cup six times. In 2024, New Zealand will be represented at the Olympic Games in Paris and the men’s futsal team, the Futsal Whites, will be competing at the Futsal World Cup for the first time.
New Zealand is experiencing a surge in football talent, with more players than ever participating internationally and in Europe. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, football’s popularity is reaching new heights, accelerated by the successful co-hosting of the Women’s World Cup with Australia in July and August 2023.
