NEW YORK, NY (Wednesday, February 22, 2023) – Major League Soccer and adidas today announced a multi-year partnership extension. As part of the multifaceted agreement, adidas will remain the official supplier to the league, its clubs and youth academies. As the founder and strategic partner of MLS, adidas remains at the center of the league’s efforts to grow its business both on and off the field in North America and beyond. To support this partnership, adidas will support the core development efforts of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT.
Through this renewed partnership, the two organizations will continue to develop the sport and promote football culture and society. Together, MLS and adidas will launch sweeping new initiatives to empower, support and inspire the next generation of players and fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup and to preserve the legacy beyond.
As part of the renewed long-term agreement, adidas will remain the official sponsor, footwear and apparel supplier of MLS and will recognize the very best in youth football as Presenting Partners of the MLS NEXT Golden Ball (MVP) and MLS NEXT. Best XI adidas will continue to supply MLS clubs with all jerseys, boots, training gear and sidewear and provide the official ball for all MLS venues including MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The new agreement provides for additional investment in youth development and community activation.
“We are so pleased to extend our partnership with adidas, the leading soccer brand in the world,” said MLS Commissioner, Don Garber. “Adidas had been helping to drive the popularity of MLS and the sport of soccer in North America for generations and we look forward to working closely with them to accelerate our growth leading into and following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
MLS and adidas have worked together since the league was founded in 1996. adidas’ commitment to football has made the brand the most recognizable football brand in the world. The MLS partnership is part of adidas’ global football presence, which includes some of Europe’s most legendary clubs.
“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 soccer in North America and the work that has been done,” said adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. “Soccer 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 hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”
The extension announcement was made this morning as part of a series of MLS is back kickoff events.
This announcement comes at a time of tremendous growth for the sport of soccer in North America as Major League Soccer enters its 28th season this month as we head into the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.