PORTLAND, OR / NEW YORK, NY (December 7, 2015) – Major League Soccer and adidas today unveiled a newly designed NATIVO, the official match ball for the 2016 season. The most tested MLS ball to date, NATIVO utilizes the latest adidas technology to deliver the highest level of performance to the entire league.
Extensively tested by teams around the world, every element of NATIVO’s construction has been scrutinized to provide the greatest control and accuracy. The adidas NATIVO includes a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a textured surface that has been updated to ensure the truest flight of the ball.
“Each year we strive to take the official match ball to the next level of performance,” said Zola Short, Senior Sports Marketing Manager, adidas. “The NATIVO delivers on that goal while giving clubs and fans a look that’s unique to Major League Soccer.”
The NATIVO’s design continues to be inspired by MLS’ three pillars of Club, Country and Community. Infusing the flags of the league’s two home countries, the United States and Canada, NATIVO features new stars, stripes and maple leaf decals across the paneling. The ball is imprinted with the MLS crest and adidas logo along with the signature of MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The adidas NATIVO official MLS match ball is available today at adidas.com and MLSstore.com for $160.
About adidas
adidas is the global leader in soccer and official partner of FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA European Championships and Major League Soccer. adidas has made every FIFA World Cup ball since 1970 and recently extended the partnership with FIFA until 2030. adidas sponsors the world's top clubs and players including Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Flamengo, Chelsea, Leo Messi, Gareth Bale, Mesut Özil, Oscar, Xavi, Karim Benzema, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jozy Altidore, Omar Gonzalez and Graham Zusi.
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 20 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. The 2015 season featured the most comprehensive U.S. media rights partnership in the history of the league, as eight-year agreements with ESPN, FOX Sports and Univision Deportes commenced. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
