#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Adidas #Esports Nations Cup #Esports Foundation

Historic Partnership for Esports

The world of esports is witnessing a monumental shift as the Esports Foundation and global sportswear leader adidas forge a historic partnership to outfit every national team at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC). This landmark agreement will see more than 100 countries and territories represented with custom-designed adidas jerseys and apparel, marking a significant milestone in the fusion of esports, culture, and traditional sports.

Scheduled to launch on November 2, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the ENC is the first event of its kind to embrace national squad competition within the esports arena. It promises an exhilarating four-week tournament, showcasing over 2,000 athletes and coaches across 16 of the world's most popular esports games, a feat set to bring forth a fresh wave of enthusiasm and visibility to the sector.

A New Era for Esports

With adidas stepping in as the Official Kit Partner and global sponsor of the ENC, anticipation is building for the reveal of the national team jerseys that will carry the pride and identity of participating nations. Each team will receive tailored competition jerseys and tracksuits designed to reflect their unique cultural backgrounds while embodying the spirit of global collaboration within esports. Launching in the weeks leading up to the event, fans can keep an eye on the jersey debuts on the dedicated ENC website, esportsnationscup.com/jerseys.

Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation, emphasized the importance of national team jerseys, stating, "They carry identity, pride, and the ambition of an entire country or territory. Partnering with adidas, one of the most iconic brands in sports, we’re giving esports athletes the chance to represent their nations on a world stage, similar to traditional sports." This partnership is anticipated to create powerful national moments that resonate with a new generation of players and fans worldwide.

Phillip Waller, senior vice president of brand development at adidas, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Our decades of experience outfitting athletes in the world’s biggest sporting events lends itself well to the Esports Nations Cup, allowing us to translate that experience into the realm of esports."

Revolutionizing National Team Dynamics

The ENC sets the stage for a structured national team competition model, enabling countries and territories not only to assemble their competing teams but also to develop pathways for talent and strengthen their esports ecosystems. The Esports Foundation has diligently constructed a comprehensive global framework involving the appointment of Official National Team Partners, National Team Managers, and over 700 national coaches across various regions. These coaches, representative of more than 90 leading esports organizations, will oversee talent development and selection, thus solidifying a robust national team environment ahead of the premier competition.

As this innovative competition unfolds, it aims to catalyze fandom, nurture future esports heroes, and sustain growth opportunities for nations, players, and partners alike within the expansive global esports framework. The ENC is backed by a $20 million prize pool with equal pay distribution, ensuring fair compensation for players and coaches regardless of their finishing position in any of the 16 games involved.

About the Esports Foundation

Established with a mission to advance and professionalize the esports industry, the Esports Foundation operates its signature events—the annual Esports World Cup and the biennial Esports Nations Cup. It draws together top players, premier clubs, and a vast audience, providing a platform to enhance participation, support talent development, and create enduring career opportunities within the dynamic esports landscape.

As esports continues to gain traction on a global scale, the historic partnership between adidas and the Esports Foundation stands as a testament to the potential of esports to unite nations and foster a thriving competitive environment.

For more details on the Esports Nations Cup and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit esportsnationscup.com.