After a 25-year association with Nike, the English Premier League will switch to Puma footballs next season. The Puma ‘Orbital’ ball, designed with fewer seams and larger panels, differs from Nike’s Flight ball. Despite initial player concerns, experts predict a brief adjustment period, similar to the NBA ball change impact in 2021-22.
With the upcoming English Premier League (EPL) season, the league will end its 25-year partnership with Nike and switch to Puma as the official match ball supplier. Currently, the league uses the Nike Flight 2024/25 ball, made of polyurethane, rubber, polyester, and cotton. Puma’s new ‘Orbital’ ball features fewer seams and larger panels, designed to improve player connection with the ball.
This change gained attention after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized the Puma ball used in a Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United, saying it felt different and flew differently. Despite the concerns, Arsenal had previously scored 11 goals across three games with the same ball. Newcastle striker Alexander Isak also performed well, scoring in that game.
Such ball changes are not new in sports. When the NBA shifted from Spalding to Wilson balls in the 2021-22 season, shooting efficiency initially dipped, with players like Paul George pointing out the difference. However, performance returned to normal as players adapted.
Similarly, while the Puma ball may create slight turbulence at first, players and teams are expected to adjust quickly. Puma’s introduction marks a significant change but is unlikely to impact the EPL’s overall quality for long.
