There has been controversy in West Ham circles after a series of images purporting to be the club’s new home kit emerged online.
Many West Ham fans have been fuming after images of the supposed 130th anniversary kit leaked online – with many branding it “horrific”.
Now Hammers News can set the record straight ahead of an expected official club announcement in the coming weeks.
While there has been no official confirmation from the club as yet, West Ham have agreed a kit deal with leading sports brand New Balance which starts from the 2026/27 season.
It means next season’s 130th anniversary strip will be Umbro’s last for the foreseeable future.
West Ham are expected to make that clear when they unveil the club’s new strips for next season.
Hammers to confirm Umbro deal is coming to an end
Sport Business first revealed that West Ham had snubbed Castore and a renewal with Umbro in order to sign a long-term contract with New Balance.
New Balance, who were previously Liverpool’s kit manufacturers, have agreed a deal with West Ham for a minimum of five years.
It follows years of speculation about West Ham’s kit manufacturer which saw rumours of a switch to Nike for the first time or back to Adidas circulate.
Umbro have faced plenty of criticism over their West Ham strips in the past. But there have been some memorable kits too.
The firm redeemed itself with this season’s kits which were – on the whole – very well received.
Now the firm has the big responsibility of coming up with designs befitting the 130-year milestone.
So fans have been seriously unimpressed by pictures that have been circulating on social media of late.
Now Hammers News can reveal the truth over the “leak” of a controversial new West Ham kit for the 130th anniversary.
Umbro has made kits for the Hammers across many periods in the club’s history – including their first ever replica shirts.
So it is somewhat fitting that they will make the 130th anniversary kit.
Truth over “leak” of “new West Ham kit” for 130th anniversary
Some fans raised concerns the company may not put much effort into the strip now they know their deal is not being renewed.
That certainly seemed the case when a number of pictures of a purported “new” West Ham home kit emerged on social media of late.
Several fans have posted images of a West Ham kit on sale abroad which is covered in a white polka dot pattern.
It has been claimed in several posts that the kit is the new home shirt for next season.
And it is fair to say the reaction has been one of revulsion and outrage.
Tell tale signs that Hammers strip is fake
But Hammers News can set the record straight – if it wasn’t obvious to most already – about the “new kit”.
It is indeed a fake.
The biggest tell-tale sign is the sponsor.
West Ham’s partnership with Betway as front of shirt sponsors is coming to an end this summer and they will be replaced by Boyle Sports for next season.
The JD Sports logo on the sleeve is also a giveaway as they were replaced as West Ham’s sleeve sponsor by QuickBooks.
The next red flag is the badge.
The crest is a poor imitation of the current Hammers badge.
For the avoidance of any doubt, a club spokesman has confirmed the polka dot strip most definitely won’t be next season’s anniversary kit.
West Ham’s deal with Umbro, which began in 2015, was extended in a long-term agreement and renewed again behind the scenes for another year back in 2023.
The Hammers have held talks with several kit manufacturers about a move away from Umbro in the time since.
West Ham wanted to review the market by talking to the other major brands including Castore, Puma and Macron in addition to Nike and Adidas before settling on New Balance.
As things stand, West Ham will be the only Premier League club with New Balance as kit maker in the 2026-27 campaign.
Although it is believed others may well sign up with them before West Ham’s deal kicks in next summer.
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