MLS Team From 2019 - New FC Cincinnati Logo & Identity Revealed
Nov 13, 2018, by Chris
FC Cincinnati, who will play in the MLS from 2019, yesterday revealed their new MLS identity, including a new logo, marks and updated colors. The new FC Cincinnati MLS identity was unveiled before a capacity crowd at the Woodward Theater.
Ignite the passion.
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) November 12, 2018
Unite the city.
We are FC Cincinnati. #IgniteUnite | #FCCincy pic.twitter.com/33eLpc5qjZ
FC Cincinnati MLS Logo
According to the club's statement, the new FC Cincinnati MLS look takes the club’s vision and identity into the future. FC Cincinnati remains, while the words from which “FC” is shortened have changed. “Football Club Cincinnati” – the team’s full written name – will take the field in MLS. The name is to be shortened to FC Cincinnati on first reference.
The much-speculated name Fussball Club Cincinnati – or Fußball Club Cincinnati using the German character – is the formal, legal name of the club - It is not to be used in any sporting references to the team, or in any public discussion.
The branding system was created in tandem with Interbrand after an intensive three-month process that culminated in early August when it was presented to Major League Soccer officials at the 2018 All-Star Game.
We have some amazing brand firms in Cincinnati," FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding said. "We interviewed several firms before we decided on Interbrand. Their work with Juventus was very motivating... It was fun in that we got to involve a lot of our supporters. It was a very fun project because a lot of people got to be involved who have real passion for the club."
"That (old) crest was enormously popular," Berding said. "The first sort of fundamental question was, 'are we going to (have) a revolutionary change or an evolutionary change?' We felt very strongly that there was such enormous support for our original marks that we wanted to pay some homage to that and improve what we built. As we worked through that process there were different iterations, yeah.
FC Cincinnati's new crest, as explained by the club:
The Colors
FC Cincinnati’s familiar “Orange and Blue” color scheme remains as the club moves to MLS, but now they’re brighter and bolder.
The club’s new Orange (PMS 021) and Blue (PMS 287) pop more, with the secondary colors of Dark Blue (PMS 282), White and Grey (PMS Cool Grey 4c) added to help amplify what is a unique color palette in soccer.
The Logos
The new FC Cincinnati crest was developed as a representative of the city. Inspired by Cincinnati – itself a city on the rise – the crest highlights the region’s German heritage in a modern manner.
The winged lion has been carried over and has taken a more prominent place on the shield. It is bolder, stronger and ready for battle. It represents the club’s winning spirit, while its crown pays homage to the Queen City.
The seven points on the lion’s mane represent the seven hills of Cincinnati, while the wings’ three feathers highlight the club’s three-year journey to MLS. Curved into a “C”, the lion’s tail is another nod to Cincinnati.
Featuring the club’s two new primary colors, the crest also introduces the accent dark blue and it helps provide emphasis against the white background to further emphasize the word “Cincinnati.”
The team’s new wordmark is a familiar update on the team’s original mark. Still an orange and blue combination on FC Cincinnati, the crown remains firmly affixed atop the “C” in Cincinnati – again, a nod to the Queen City. Written straight out with no breaks or punctuation between letters, the FC moves straight into Cincinnati to show the club’s direct connection to the city.
The club’s new secondary mark is the stylized FCC from the full wordmark, while stand-alone tertiary elements will eventually include the full lion from the crest, the lion’s head and mane, and the crown. Those elements will be introduced more prominently in future years as the brand gains traction in the marketplace.
The Taglines & Hashtags
FC Cincinnati has introduced two new taglines to represent the club’s ambitions and goals, and has cemented a long-standing term as an official team reference:
Ignite and Unite
Now and Forever
The Orange and Blue
“Ignite and Unite” reflects the passion and energy of our club to inspire people to connect and join together. As witnessed in the club’s first three years, FC Cincinnati’s fan base is magically diverse and has connected different communities – demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, ethnic, etc. The club has become a rallying call for people to forget their differences and come together to support a singular subject as one.
“Now and Forever” not only captures how FC Cincinnati has arrived here at MLS, but it also conveys how the club will continue to strive for more and aims to continue its momentum in galvanizing the region behind a common source.
“The Orange and Blue” has been used by the club for much of its early history, but now the nickname is solidified in the brand as FC Cincinnati moves to MLS. It is an acceptable second reference to the club and the team, as well.
In terms of official club hashtags, #IgniteUnite will now be integrated as an official club hashtag, in addition to #FCCincy, which the club has used since its inception.
When using emojis to represent “The Orange and Blue,” the orange and blue diamonds – either the small or large versions – are acceptable with the orange emoji first, followed by an ampersand and then the blue emoji. (Examples: 🔶&🔷, 🔸&🔹).
Club Values
The new MLS identity was built on the foundation the club laid in its first three years in the country’s second division, and honed to reflect the club’s vision for the future.
The MLS brand will help FC Cincinnati write a new chapter in its story and is focused on four core values.
Share your thoughts on the new FC Cincinnati logo and the club's new MLS identity in the comments below.
OH Leuven 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Oud-Heverlee Leuven have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt introduces a bold dark look for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The Jako OH Leuven 2026-27 away shirt features a black base with deep green vertical stripes and vibrant orange pinstripes running down the body. Dark green detailing appears on the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the Jako logo and club crest are centrally positioned on the chest.
What do you think of the new OH Leuven 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
New Material for UEFA Champions League Patches?
Based on images from Manchester United's recent posts, it appears that the Starball and UEFA Foundation sleeve patches for the 26-27 UEFA Champions League might be moving away from the traditional velvet material. Instead, they seem to feature a noticeably thinner and flatter composition.
Without high-resolution close-ups, the exact material specifications cannot be fully confirmed just yet.
However, this potential shift remains unconfirmed, as other clubs have not displayed this change. Real Betis, for instance, still appeared with standard velvet-textured patches during their recent 26-27 Champions League portrait photoshoot sessions.
We will have to wait for official confirmation and close-up looks once the competition gets underway. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the collage.
Almere City 26-27 Cup Kit Released
Dutch club Almere City have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 Cup kit. Made by Craft, the special “HANASAKA!” shirt celebrates the club’s connection with Japan through owner Yanmar and the Yanmar Hanasaka International Youth Cup, an U19 tournament organised by Almere City at the Yanmar Stadion.
The Craft Almere City 2026-27 Cup shirt features a black base with subtle tonal cherry blossom branch motifs across the front. Mint green and pastel pink details add contrast, with a mint crew-neck collar and sponsor branding joined by a pink monochrome club crest, Craft logo and sleeve trims.
What do you think of the new Almere City 2026-27 Cup kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Sutton United 26-27 Third Kit Released
English club Sutton United and kit manufacturer VX3 have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Themed around the slogan "Where Passion Blooms," the release pays homage to the local area's historic lavender fields and was presented alongside players from the Sutton United Women's squad.
The VX3 Sutton United 26-27 third shirt is predominantly light lavender purple, paired with contrasting dark purple raglan sleeves and a matching polo collar. A monochrome purple club badge sits on the left chest, complemented by dark purple sponsor logos and an embroidered sprig of lavender on the upper back just below the neckline.
The new third kit completes Sutton United's kit set for the 2026-27 season alongside their previously released home and away strips.
Plymouth Argyle 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma and Plymouth Argyle have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Designed to make a bold visual impact on the pitch, the new strip brings back a vibrant tangerine look for the Pilgrims.
The Puma Plymouth Argyle 2026-27 third jersey combines a vivid orange base with contrasting black trim across the collar, shoulders, and cuffs. The front proudly features a monochrome black version of Argyle's iconic Mayflower crest, accompanied by black Puma cat branding and sponsor detailing from Lighthouse Charity.
The new third kit is available immediately via Argyle's official online store and in-person retail locations.
Catania FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Catania FC and technical sponsor Erreà have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Arriving as part of the brand's "COLORI DEI TERRITORI" collection, the release completes the club's full wardrobe for the new campaign following the earlier debuts of their volcanic-themed third and traditional rossazzurri home strips.
The Erreà Catania 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, accented with dark grey detailing along the thick V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder trims. Across the front and sleeves, the jersey incorporates a subtle tonal graphic pattern inspired by local Catanese heritage and the city's iconic elephant symbol.
The new Catania FC 26-27 away uniform is completed with matching shorts and socks and is available now through the club's official retail channels.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side FC Penafiel have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Nike, the secondary strip arrives two weeks after the release of the club's traditional red-and-black home jersey.
The Nike FC Penafiel 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, highlighted by a classic horizontal chest band in red that is bordered by thin black stripes. A black polo-style collar with a front insert adds a refined touch to the design. The Nike Swoosh and FC Penafiel crest are placed inside the red chest hoop, while the ABANCA sponsor logo appears in black across the midriff.
White shorts with black detailing and white socks round off the clean look of the new FC Penafiel 26-27 away uniform, which is already available to purchase through the club's official channels.
