adidas and Major League Soccer premiered the newest design of the NATIVO, the Official Match Ball for the 2018 MLS season. Newly constructed with an updated panel design and sustainable materials, this reimagined release marks the fourth ball in the NATIVO series to-date.
Incorporating some of the most innovative materials in sports, the ball is constructed with a unique six mono-panel configuration via thermobonding technology, which provides smooth, even performance and zero water uptake. Moreover, new backing material uses 40% completely sustainable materials made from sugar cane and recycled paper, leading to superior and improved ball flight and surface glide.
An upgraded look from the Official Match Ball of seasons past, the Nativo’s redesigned skin features pixelated patchwork details in bright blue and red, which represents motifs from North American history as well as a blended, unified border between the United States and Canada. The patches and new rhombus carcass construction offers premium surface structure designed to provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics that players can take from the stadium to the street.
“Soccer is a global sport that transcends beyond borders,” said Ernesto Bruce, Senior Director for adidas Soccer. “The new design of the 2018 MLS Official Match Ball is our way of embracing and celebrating unity on the pitch, while offering a superior performance ball for all levels of athletes across North America.”
The new ball will be first seen today during the MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia, as adidas Soccer and MLS and its clubs celebrate their commitment to youth development. Afterwards, the ball will be seen on-pitch during the MLS preseason games, and throughout the league’s 23rd season, which begins on Saturday, March 3 when defending MLS Cup champions Toronto FC host Columbus Crew SC in the league’s opening match.
The newest adidas NATIVO is available at adidas.com and MLSstore.com.
