Esports Foundation and adidas Announce Partnership for Esports Nations Cup

The Esports Foundation has announced a partnership adidas, naming the brand as the Official Kit Partner and a Global Partner for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup.

Set to debut on November 2, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament represents the first nation-based esports competition of its scale, uniting over 100 countries and territories with 2,000 athletes and coaches.

Backed by a substantial USD45 million (AUD64 ) overall funding commitment; featuring a USD20 million (AUD28 million) prize pool with equal pay per placement and a separate USD20 million Development Fund, the biennial event establishes a structured, recurring commercial platform designed to professionalise and expand the global esports ecosystem.

Under the agreement, adidas will design and produce custom competition apparel, including uniquely tailored jerseys and tracksuits for every participating delegation to reflect their national identity.

Emphasising the importance of the apparel partnership, chief commercial officer at the Esports Foundation, Mohammed Al Nimer, said: “National team jerseys carry identity, pride and the ambition of an entire country or territory.”

“By partnering with adidas, one of the most iconic brands in global sport, we are giving esports athletes the opportunity to represent their nations on the world stage with the same sense of meaning and prestige seen across traditional sport.

‘This partnership will help the Esports Nations Cup create powerful national moments and inspire a new generation of players and fans,” he said.

Echoing the significance of the collaboration, adidas SVP Brand Development, Phillip Waller, added: “At adidas, we’ve spent decades outfitting athletes at the world’s biggest sporting events, and we understand the role a jersey plays in identity, belonging and competition.”

“The Esports Nations Cup gives us the opportunity to bring that experience into esports at a global scale,” Waller noted.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.