Premier League gears up for PUMA ball debut: what will August 16 mean for players?

The Premier League is set to introduce the PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL ball for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant change after 25 years of Nike supplying the match ball.

Designed with 12 panels to ensure perfect balance on the pitch, the new ball will first be showcased during the Premier League Summer Series in July, ahead of its official debut in the league's opening fixtures on August 16.

This launch is part of the broader 'Have a Ball' campaign aimed at encouraging football participation at all levels.

Will Brass, Premier League's chief commercial officer, said: "The launch of the new ball, which will be seen in play for the first time during the Premier League Summer Series, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter."

Players have already noted the ball's distinct characteristics. One remarked, "It's just different. It's very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that. It flies different... when you touch it, the grip is very different as well so you have to adapt to that."

Clubs like Arsenal will use the pre-season period to adjust to the new ball before it officially enters Premier League play.

The transition to PUMA's ball is expected to influence gameplay dynamics, requiring players to adapt their techniques to the ball's unique flight and grip properties.

This change not only refreshes the visual and technical aspects of the game but also signals a new commercial partnership for the Premier League, potentially impacting fan engagement and player performance.

Overall, August 16 will mark a new era in Premier League football, with the PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL ball at the center of this evolution.

The Premier League will debut the new PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL ball on August 16, 2025, ending Nike's 25-year run. Featuring 12 panels for balance, it first appears in the Premier League Summer Series. Players note its different flight and grip, with pre-season adaptation underway.