Season 5 Episode 26

Balls

What was once a simple, heavy leather ball, only needing to move when it was kicked, has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry.
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Episode Notes

After a 25-year partnership with Nike, the Premier League is set to turn to a new official match ball supplier for the 2025/26 season.

The fact that this change is making news headlines is a reflection of how far the game has come. What was once a simple, heavy leather ball, only needing to move when it was kicked, has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry. And, for some managers, has even because the go-to excuse for why their team lost a match.

Vocabulary

  1. Aerodynamic: the science that studies the movement of gases and the way solid bodies, such as aircraft, move through them
    The new match ball features an aerodynamic design that enhances its flight stability, allowing for more accurate long passes.”
  2. Durable: able to last and be used for a long time without becoming damaged
    Thanks to its durable construction, the football maintained its shape and performance even after being used in heavy rain and muddy conditions.”
  3. Inflate: to make something increase in size by filling it with air
    ”The referee must check that a ball has been properly inflated before starting the match.”

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