Major League Soccer kicked off its leaguewide Pride celebration this week, revealing its Pride kit and debuting it on players for warm-ups during two “Pride” matches.
Online, the jersey itself is raising some eyebrows, some snarky comments, and, yes, some praise.
The jersey debuted Wednesday night at the “Pride” matches between Inter Miami and Orlando City, as well as the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Colorado Rapids.
Many players with the clubs wore the MLS Pride jersey during warm-ups, including Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez, who is tied for the league lead with 11 goals scored.
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At a time when other leagues are pulling back from featuring Pride on the field or on the ice, it’s refreshing to see MLS going in the opposite direction. Last year, the NHL banned all Pride rainbows from the ice before relenting to massive pressure from fans and players and allowing Pride Tape to be used on sticks during warm-ups. The league still bans Pride jerseys.
Major League Baseball has reportedly barred teams from wearing Pride caps, though the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are said to be “grandfathered in” and can wear them.
As for the jerseys themselves, they are certainly garnering some attention online.
The line is produced by Adidas and designed by Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar, who said their “aim for the collection was to expand the lens we’re seen through.” Adidas’ United Against Racism said in a statement, “the collection is inspired by Brazilian swimwear and Pabllo Vittar’s on-stage signature club style.”
Comments on Major League Soccer’s X post questioned the subtlety of the rainbow on the mostly brown, grey and black uniforms. From the stands, the rainbow isn’t visible, and the words on the front — Love Unites — are barely legible.
In fact, Adidas’ entire Pride line this year features muted rainbows.
Others questioned the camo-like pattern.
This looks like when gasoline spills into a lake
— ⚽️ Wyatt (@Superduperwyatt) May 15, 2024
Nothing about this jersey feels like pride to me, aside from the (hard to read) “love unites”
— lexi ✨ (@misslexilouwho) May 15, 2024
A handful of commenters do like the uni.
I actually like the pride kit this year
— 206.casual (@206_casual) May 15, 2024
Regardless, it’s great to see MLS not backing away from Pride, and Adidas continue to put forward a Pride line. Outsports is told that at least one major sports-apparel brand is pulling back from creating a Pride line this year, which would be incredibly unfortunate.
Adidas is continuing its commitment to providing resources to the LGBTQ community, pushing for acceptance in sports. Next month, Athlete Ally will host its third Athlete Activism Summit, presented by Adidas, which brings together people across college sports to share insights on how to build LGBTQ inclusion in their sports world.
Ashley Czarnowksi, Senior Director of Adidas Global Purpose, said the company’s work in the space isn’t just during Pride Month, but 52 weeks a year.
“Our year-round collaboration with Athlete Ally works towards addressing the barriers to sport – fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world where everyone has access to participate,” Czarnowski said in a statement.
Adidas’ endorsement deal with gay runner Nico Young, as he aims for the Paris Summer Olympics, demonstrates a real dedication to LGBTQ athletes.
You can get your MLS Pride gear at their online store. Adidas’ Pride collection is here.
.png?w=218&resize=218,150&ssl=1 "GREATEST RACE: Sergio Perez on the rollercoaster weekend that helped save his F1 career and take him to Red Bull")
