A Historic Return: Rangers Bring Back Umbro to Replace Castore
Rangers Football Club has confirmed a significant change in their kit supply chain: Umbro is set to replace Castore as the club’s official shirt manufacturer starting in the 2025-26 season. This move marks a return to a storied heritage for the Scottish giants and represents a fresh chapter in their commercial and branding strategy.
Why the Change Matters
This isn’t just a simple supplier swap. Umbro previously supplied Rangers during some of their most successful periods, giving this announcement both practical and emotional significance for fans.
At the same time, the switch offers insight into Castore’s evolving business model, signaling that there may be more to the story than a straightforward departure.
The Umbro Comeback: What’s Behind It?
Rangers’ decision to return to Umbro isn’t arbitrary. According to reports, the change is part of a wider “brand-segmentation” strategy by Castore itself.
Under this arrangement, Castore retains its commercial relationship with Rangers, but the Umbro brand will be used for their football kits.
In other words: they’re not being cut off entirely — but the face of the club’s kit branding is shifting.
A Nod to Nostalgia: Umbro’s Legacy with Rangers
Umbro isn’t a new name in Glasgow. The company previously partnered with Rangers from 1964 to 1990, and again between 2005 and 2013.
For many fans, this return taps into fond memories of iconic kits and historic moments. The retro appeal could also be a strategic way to rejuvenate merchandise sales while preserving a link to the club’s heritage.
What the New Kits Look Like
Rangers have already released images of their 2025-26 home and away kits, now made by Umbro.
Home Kit: Royal blue base with white cuffs and a fold-over collar. Thin red and blue stripes accent the sleeve ends and collar edge.
Away Kit: A clean white design with a bold red-and-blue horizontal band across the chest.
These designs balance tradition and modernity, appealing to longtime supporters and newer fans alike.
Business Strategy: Castore’s Brand-Segmentation Plan
This move aligns with Castore’s broader business strategy. Rather than simply ending the partnership, Castore negotiated a sub-license with GL Dameck to hold the “Umbro Professional Team Sports” rights in key European markets.
By doing this, Castore can leverage Umbro’s established reputation in football while continuing to operate under its own name in other areas.
For Rangers, this structure means continuity in their commercial relationship, even if the visible brand is different.
Fan Reactions: Expectations vs. Reality
Reactions from the Rangers fanbase have been largely positive. The return of Umbro evokes nostalgia, and many supporters appreciate the throwback styling of the new kits.
There is also a sense of relief that the perceived issues with Castore’s quality and supply may be addressed through Umbro’s legacy experience.
Still, some fans remain cautious — will the quality live up to Umbro’s storied reputation?
Financial & Commercial Implications
This is not just a sentimental move: it’s a commercially savvy decision. By reintroducing Umbro, Rangers can tap into classic design appeal while leveraging Castore’s distribution network.
The segmentation model allows Castore to benefit financially, even if their name isn’t front and center on the shirts.
For the club, the change could drive renewed merchandise sales, particularly among long-time supporters who value heritage-inspired kits.
What This Means for Future Seasons
Umbro will be fully integrated into Rangers’ kit supply starting in 2025-26.
Beyond that, the relationship could open doors for retro-themed collections, reissues, and fan-driven designs, given Umbro’s past with Rangers.
Meanwhile, Castore’s long-term deal remains in place, underscoring that this is not a breakdown in partnership as much as a rebranding play.
Challenges and Risks Ahead
With any major rebrand, there are risks. The quality of Umbro-branded kits under this sub-license will be closely scrutinized by fans, especially given past grievances with Castore.
Production and distribution must meet demand, or the club could face frustrations similar to past kit launches. There’s also the risk that Umbro’s retro appeal doesn’t convert to strong sales across all merchandise lines.
Finally, while the financial mechanics seem clever, long-term viability depends on how well both brands (Castore and Umbro) execute this strategy.
Final Thoughts
Rangers’ decision to bring back Umbro as their kit supplier is more than just a switch — it’s a thoughtful strategy that balances heritage, business, and fan sentiment.
By working within Castore’s broader brand-segmentation model, the club is able to leverage both Umbro’s legacy and Castore’s infrastructure.
If executed well, this could be a win-win: fans get a product that resonates with Rangers’ history, while the club and its commercial partners benefit from flexibility, nostalgia, and potentially stronger merchandise performance.
