Decathlon, the leading French sports equipment retailer, has secured a groundbreaking Europe-wide contract with UEFA, the association of European football federations. This strategic collaboration designates Decathlon’s football brand, Kipsta, as the exclusive football supplier for UEFA’s Europa League and Conference League competitions from 2024 to 2027, spanning three pivotal seasons. This move positions Decathlon and Kipsta at the forefront of the competitive sport performance segment.
Replacing the renowned Japanese brand Molten, this contract signifies a significant stride for Decathlon and Kipsta in the football equipment market. Kipsta, having entered the sport performance arena in 2022 by providing match balls to Ligue 1 Uber Eats and Ligue 2 BKT, continued its expansion in 2023 by extending its offerings to Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. The UEFA partnership reinforces Decathlon’s commitment to delivering top-tier products to both amateur and professional football communities.
While specific details about the football models for European competitions from autumn 2024 are yet to be unveiled, Decathlon underscores the superior attributes of Kipsta’s official match balls. These seamless footballs, crafted with thermal adhesive bonding technology, boast exceptional sphericity, durability, and an exceptionally stable flight trajectory. All footballs undergo meticulous design and testing at Decathlon’s state-of-the-art Kipstadium facility in Tourcoing, France.
Fabien Brosse, Deputy Managing Director overseeing products and sports at Decathlon, emphasizes the profound significance of UEFA’s selection. This endorsement acknowledges Kipsta’s expertise and its ability to deliver high-quality performance products adhering to the most stringent standards. The partnership not only fortifies the brand’s bond with football enthusiasts globally but also underscores its unwavering commitment to professional sports.
Decathlon’s extensive involvement in sports extends beyond football, with notable partnerships, including the NBA (outside the USA), and sponsorships of elite athletes such as Gaël Monfils in tennis, Yannick Bestaven in sailing, and US middle-distance runner Paul Chelim. Additionally, Decathlon has assembled a formidable team of 33 French athletes, led by judo champion Teddy Riner, for the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a global presence boasting 1,700 stores, Decathlon continues to bridge the gap between amateur and professional sports through budget-friendly products and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
