Nike and Adidas

I believe Adidas will continue to dominate global soccer for the long term because Adidas main advantage over Nike is it is exclusive rights and agreement for the World Cup. Adidas is the official sponsor of the world cup has succeeded in extending its contract with FIFA for the next fifteen years, right through to 2030. With this contract it keeps Nike out of the World Cup and Adidas keeps the domination in the World Cup by having the contract with FIFA till 2030. This way Adidas keeps all the sponsorships for the World Cup, TV ads, name on banners and the official game ball of the tournament. Adidas also separates itself from Nike through the history of being on the cutting edge of sporting technology. Adidas spends vast amount of time and money to research and develop the most technologically advanced equipment for the game of soccer. "For example, the new ball used in 2006 World Cup has been developed over three years and is claimed to be the roundest soccer ball ever due to its fourteen panel configuration, when all previous balls had thirty-two panels." (Sarna 2006) Adidas is also is official sponsor of twenty-one National teams including six teams that made the 2006 World Cup. Adidas also has sponsorship agreements with MLS which is growing its North America Soccer market. Nike on the other hand has signed fourteen National teams however Nike may be gambling with its approach of only sponsoring team and players in contrast Adidas sponsoring teams, players, leagues, and being official partner with FIFA for the World Cup and other tournaments. In my opinion as being a competitive soccer player from time I was nine years old through age of twenty-four I have been on teams that were sponsored by Adidas and Nike. After wearing both brands throughout my career in soccer, I believe that Adidas has better quality gear. That being said I was a goalkeeper so I did not just wear boots and soccer uniform. I also wore gloves, shin guards and goalie uniform.