Esports Foundation (EF) has officially revealed a strategic partnership with adidas for Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. The collaboration marks a notable step for esports’ mainstream growth, as adidas will be responsible for designing and producing the official uniforms worn by all national teams competing in the tournament’s first edition.

adidas Becomes Official Kit Partner for ENC 2026

Under its role as Official Kit Partner and Global Partner, adidas will provide match jerseys and tracksuits for teams from more than 100 countries and regions participating in ENC 2026. EF also states that around 2,000 athletes and coaches will wear the official gear—uniforms specifically designed to reflect the national identity of each participating delegation.

EF emphasizes that the kit program is more than a branding exercise. Each jersey design will carry unique elements tied to the character and identity of the country it represents, while also aiming to capture the competitive spirit of a global, nation-based event. EF further notes that the national team jersey collection will be introduced in the coming weeks through the official Esports Nations Cup website.

ENC 2026 Dates and Global Ambition from Riyadh

Esports Nations Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place starting 2 November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is positioned as the largest state-based esports competition ever held, while also serving as a meeting point for esports, sport, culture, and entertainment on an international stage.

By framing ENC as both a competitive tournament and a cultural showcase, EF signals its intent to broaden esports’ audience beyond conventional gaming circles. The nation-versus-nation format is also designed to strengthen the emotional stakes for viewers—where national pride can function similarly to traditional sports rivalries.

EF and adidas on National Pride Through Team Jerseys

Speaking about the partnership, Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer at Esports Foundation, said that national team jerseys are not merely competition equipment, but rather a symbol of pride and national identity. He added that collaboration with adidas gives esports athletes the opportunity to carry national honor in a way comparable to athletes in traditional sports.

Meanwhile, Phillip Waller, SVP Brand Development at adidas, highlighted the brand’s long-standing experience supplying equipment for athletes across some of the world’s biggest sporting events. That expertise, he said, will now be brought into the esports arena through ENC.

Taken together, both statements suggest that EF and adidas are aiming to elevate the visibility and legitimacy of esports competitions by applying the same seriousness and symbolism commonly associated with international sports kits.

Two-Year Structure and a Growing Country-Based Ecosystem

Beyond the uniforms, ENC is presented as a major move toward building an ecosystem centered on nation-based esports. EF describes the tournament as a two-year competition, enabling each country to form a national team, develop talent pathways, and compete internationally on a recurring basis.

To support this structure ahead of the event, Esports Foundation has built a global network made up of Official National Team Partners, National Team Managers, and more than 700 national team coaches spread across more than 100 countries and regions. EF also states that these coaches come from over 90 notable esports organizations and are responsible for player selection and team development across the various game titles included in the tournament.

This kind of coaching and partner network is crucial for sustaining nation-based competition, since it directly influences how players are scouted, how strategies are formed, and how teams improve between ENC cycles.

16 Game Titles, US$20 Million Prize Pool, and US$45 Million Commitment

ENC 2026 will feature competition across 16 esports titles, with a total prize pool of US$20 million. EF adds that all prize money will be distributed evenly based on final standings, meaning players and coaches receive the same amount according to their position at the end of the event.

In addition to the prize pool, Esports Foundation has prepared a Development Fund worth US$20 million. EF frames this as part of a broader funding commitment of US$45 million, intended to support the development of national esports ecosystems, team operations, and travel needs for participants heading to Riyadh.

With both competitive funding and development money included, ENC appears designed not only to crown winners, but also to strengthen long-term infrastructure—an approach that can help participating regions grow their talent pools over time.

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