MLS Will Kick Off 20th Season With New Game Ball

The LA Galaxy’s 2014 MLS Cup championship celebration is barely over, and already the league is looking toward next year. The 2015 season will be MLS’ 20th anniversary, and a few months ago the league debuted its new crest. But that won’t be all that’s new. When the Galaxy begins its title defense, there will be a new ball on the pitch, too.

Yesterday, MLS and Adidas debuted the league’s new official match ball, Nativo. The ball is built with six identical panels for max aerodynamics and stability, while a mico-texture surface improves grip and touch. Adidas says Nativo is its “most tested ball ever,” but that’s kind of a moving benchmark. Brazuca, the 2014 World Cup match ball, was also called “the most tested ball ever” when it debuted last December.

Here’s a closer look at Nativo:










Nativo will make its regular-season debut in March. But if you want to get your hands on one before the games begin, you can purchase it for $160 at MLSgear.com or adidas.com.


Photos: adidas