Habeck Indicates Openness for Dialogue on DFB-Nike Deal

In the current dialogue concerning the widely discussed equipment supplier change of the German Football Association (DFB), Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck shows a willingness to engage in discussions. Following the recent success of the German national team, the minister expressed his congratulations and at the same time emphasized his readiness to discuss various issues with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, including the Nike deal and the promotion of youth sports. Neuendorf's offer for a discussion followed Habeck's previous criticism of the DFB's decision to replace its long-standing partner Adidas with the American supplier Nike. Habeck had expressed a desire for more local patriotism from the association, which met with considerable incomprehension within the DFB leadership. While Neuendorf found the critical remarks from Habeck and other politicians surprising, he emphasizes the economic attractiveness of the new contract with Nike, which according to industry information, is expected to be worth more than 100 million euros per year – doubling the previous 50 million euros paid by Adidas to the DFB. The termination of the more than 70-year partnership with Adidas and the start of the engagement with Nike beginning in 2027 not only mark a turning point in the history of the DFB but also a pivotal moment in the debate over economic benefit and regional loyalty in sport. How Habeck and Neuendorf will continue this discussion and what impulses they will set for the future of German sports remains to be seen.