Jamie Vardy's Rochester New York FC - Rebranded Club to Join the Inaugural 2022 MLS Next Pro
Dec 9, 2021, by Khoi
Formerly Rochester Rhinos, the recently relaunched club will be the first independent pro football club to feature in the first season of MLS Next Pro in 2022.
Jamie Vardy's Rochester New York FC - Rebranded From Rochester Rhinos In 2021
Established in 1996 as Rochester Rhinos, the club are the only non-MLS team to have won the US Open Cup. They also won four national championship titles throughout their history.
Rochester Rhinos rebranded shortly after Vardy's purchase, becoming Rochester New York FC, opening a new chapter for the club.
However, in the past four years, Rochester haven't competed at a professional level at all.
Jamie Vardy came in June this year to finalise his purchase of a minority stake of the club to become co-owner, a process that took over two years.
Vardy's plan is to try to emulate the success he had with V9 Academy in England. The academy gives a second chance to non-League players who he feels have the potential to flourish in professional football.
Rochester New York FC Join The 2022 MLS Next Pro
The announcement of the new MLS Next Pro also comes with the news of Rochester New York FC joining as the only independent football club. Although more will follow for the 2023 season.
For the inaugural season of the MLS Next Pro, a total of 21 clubs will participate. At the end of the season, 8 teams will be eligible for play-offs to decide a cup winner.
All teams except Rochester are affiliated to another MLS club. The new MLS Next Pro will provide another stepping stone for players, coaches, referees and sports business professionals after MLS Next and before moving up to the MLS.
Jamie Vardy on Rochester New York FC participate in the 2022 MLS Next Pro: "This is when it starts to feel very real. When we started out on this journey, I knew I was taking a big risk and it was going to be a massive challenge. Now that challenge is very clear."
Do you think Jamie Vardy's Rochester New York FC will succeed in the future? Let us know in the comment.
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.
Newcastle United Deny Adidas Stadium Sponsorship Rumors
Speculation surfaced online suggesting that Newcastle United were in discussions with kit supplier Adidas regarding a potential stadium sponsorship deal for St James' Park. The German sportswear brand already has a major presence across the stadium following the launch of their lucrative kit partnership, featuring branding across the stands and stadium facilities.
However, reports linking Adidas to an official stadium sponsorship deal have been swiftly shot down. According to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, Newcastle United are not in talks with the three stripes brand over stadium naming or presenting rights, with club sources strongly denying any Adidas involvement in such negotiations.
While Adidas is ruled out, Newcastle are actively in preliminary talks with other international commercial partners for a stadium sponsorship agreement. The club's commercial leadership aims to drive substantial revenue growth in the coming years while maintaining the historic St James' Park name alongside any prospective sponsor.
