All-New MLS NEXT Launched - Logo & Visual Identity
Sep 10, 2020, by Chris
Major League Soccer (MLS) yesterday evening unveiled its new youth player development platform, called MLS NEXT. We take a closer look at the all-new MLS Next branding, which
MLS NEXT About
"MLS Next’s mission is to provide the best player development experience in North America. Through a unique approach to collaborative governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS Next will provide an environment in which players receive the highest level of competition while acquiring the training and personal development that will prepare them for their future, both in soccer and in life. The competition platform incorporates more than 9,000 players, in six age groups, across 113 clubs, including 30 MLS professional academies, five USL academies and 78 additional elite academies."
MLS Next Branding
The MLS Next brand is an expression of the transformative movement in North America that has already begun to set new standards for world-class player development. MLS Next is shaking up the system and taking player development to the next level.
Proud to have worked with the team @MLS in developing the brand identity for @MLSNEXT - a platform aimed to transform & shape the future of youth soccer development in North America for generations to come. #MLSNEXT | https://t.co/nJ0sq7NEBA https://t.co/txuWcOXOry
— Daniel Nyari (@danielnyari) September 8, 2020
The MLS Next branding has been developed by MLS. Graphic designer Daniel Nyari has worked togther with MLS in developing the visual identity.
“MLS Next advances player development in North America, furthering Major League Soccer’s commitment to developing world-class players through an elite competitive pathway,” said Fred Lipka, Vice President and Technical Director of MLS Player Development. “Major League Soccer is excited to begin MLS Next competition which will place player development at the forefront while giving players a safe and healthy environment to advance from academies to MLS first teams.”
What do you think of the visual identity of the MLS Next? Comment below.
3 Nike Mercurial 26-27 Boots Leaked: Kobe 'Mambacurial', White / Teal & United Pack
Headlining the leak is the striking Nike Mercurial Kobe 'Mambacurial' special edition. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 2013 crossover between the Mercurial Vapor 9 and Kobe 8, the boots feature a vivid pink, purple, and orange gradient upper complemented by volt accents and an iridescent soleplate. Also shown is a crisp white and teal colorway, set to serve as Nike's final regular on-pitch Mercurial pack of the calendar year with a scheduled release around December 2026 or January 2027. Rounding out the trio is the latest United Pack edition, which combines a light blue base with metallic silver heel graphics and bright orange accents along the Swoosh outline.
Shakhtar Donetsk to Feature 'Invest in Ukraine' Sponsor Message in Champions League
Shakhtar Donetsk will sport an updated sponsor look during their 26-27 UEFA Champions League campaign. The Ukrainian champions will wear the slogan "Invest in Ukraine" printed directly below the logo of their principal sponsor, SCM, throughout the league phase of Europe's premier club competition.
The initiative is led by SCM (System Capital Management), the industrial and investment group owned by club president Rinat Akhmetov.
Shakhtar will play at least eight matches during the expanded Champions League league phase, hosting their home fixtures in London at Stamford Bridge.
Al Sadd SC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Al Sadd SC and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Following the launch of their traditional white home strip earlier this month, the Qatari powerhouse turns to a black and gold look for their away matches in domestic and continental competitions.
The New Balance Al Sadd 26-27 away shirt combines a black base with striking diagonal and curved gold linework across the front. The metallic gold treatment extends to the New Balance logo, the Qatar Airways front-of-shirt sponsor, and the monochrome club crest topped by two stars. As a bespoke detail, a golden wolf motif is placed on the upper back below the collar.
Black shorts and black socks complete the full New Balance Al Sadd 2026-27 away uniform.