Essendon Football Club is excited to announce a new partnership and apparel program from 2017.

The new program, to be officially launched mid-season, includes a new long term partnership that is set to be the largest apparel partnership in AFL history and the biggest in Australian sport.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the long-term deal would create a step change in the apparel category.

“This is a significant partnership and a very exciting and innovative apparel model for the future,” Campbell said.

“The partnership is a seven year deal with a leading apparel brand that will continue to provide our players with high performance on-field garments and our members and supporters with an extensive merchandise range reflecting great quality and global trends.

“As part of the new apparel program, the Club will explore partnerships in new categories.”

adidas and Essendon will not extend their partnership beyond the 2016 season.

“We would like to acknowledge adidas for partnering with the Club over the past 8 years,” Campbell said.

“There have been many highlights and innovations during our partnership with adidas including the TAC Seatbelt Guernsey, ANZAC Day Guernsey and our Heritage Guernsey.”

“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we would like to thank adidas for a great partnership”