MLS Teams “Invent” Unique Names for Every Kit - All 2023 Kit Names and Inspirations
Feb 21, 2023, by John
With the busy MLS kit release season now behind us, we wanted to take a look at an interesting aspect of Adidas' league-wide shirt deal. Every new kit has a unique name, related to its inspiration.
A similar naming convention does not exist in Europe, but already exists in other American sports such as Basketball.
All 2023 MLS Kit Names
Atlanta - The 17's Kit - "Dedicated to the club’s supporters, which are known as 17s."
Austin FC - Las Voces Kit - "Establishes a uniquely Austin perspective on the coming together of voices from across Austin through the Austin FC community."
Charlotte FC - The Crown Jewel Kit - "Powered by the people's pride in community."
Chicago Fire - A Kit For All - "Illinois' state flag is the primary inspiration."
FC Cincinnati - River Kit - "Pays tribute to the Ohio River."
Colorado Rapids - New Day Kit - "Inspired by Colorado’s sunrises and sunsets as well as the possibilities each new day brings."
Columbus Crew- VeloCITY Kit - "Representing speed, velocity and movement – attributes that embody both the club and the city of Columbus."
FC Dallas - Burn Baby Burn Kit - "Pays tribute to FC Dallas’ roots as one of Major League Soccer’s original 10 franchises when the league launched in 1996."
DC United - The Cherry Blossom Kit - "One of the city’s most recognizable – and natural – landmarks is the cherry blossom trees."
Houston Dynamo - El Sol Kit - "Celebrates the energy, light and guidance sourced by the Sun with a Texas twist."
Sporting Kansas City - Hoops 4.0 Kit - "Over the past decade, the light blue/dark blue stripes have become synonymous with Sporting KC."
LA Galaxy - LA Kit - "Inspired by the colors of the Los Angeles city flag and the place we call home."
LAFC - Smokescreen Kit - "Pays homage to LAFC's winning culture and iconic smoke-filled goal celebrations."
Inter Miami - La Noche Kit - "Inspired by the energy and excitement of both Inter Miami fans and the City of Miami at night."
Minnesota United FC - Northern Lights Kit - "Inspired by the bold colors & dynamic movement of the world's greatest light show."
Nashville SC - The Man in Black Kit - "Honoring one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, Johnny Cash."
New England Revolution - Defiance Kit - "The spirit of defiance present in the region since the country's formation by the Founding Fathers."
New York Red Bulls - Daniel Patrick Kit - "Soccer and fashion collide as RBNY collaborated with luxury sportswear designer Daniel Patrick."
New York City FC - The Interboro Kit - "Features the navy and orange colors of the NYC flag, alongside the club's City Blue."
Orlando City - The Wall Kit - "Inspired by the passionate supporters that rally to defend our fortress."
Philadelphia Union - For Philly Kit - "Inspired by Philly's Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs run."
Portland Timbers - Portland Plaid Kit - "Reflects the tight-knit relationship between the club and the community."
Real Salt Lake - The Beehive State Kit - "A tribute to RSL's home state of Utah."
San Jose Earthquakes - The Active Fault Kit - "Inspired by fault lines associated with earthquakes."
Seattle Sounders - The Bruce Lee Kit - "Inspired by the life and legacy of a global icon."
St. Louis City - City Kit - "Features the club’s vibrant and signature CITY Red color with navy and yellow accents as an homage to the City of St. Louis flag."
St. Louis City - Spirit Kit - "Inspired by the metallic and modern design of CITYPARK, The Spirt Kit is a celebration of the league's newest club and the community that helped bring it to life."
Toronto FC - The Club Kit - "The Club Kit was created in honor of two: the heart and the home."
Vancouver Whitecaps - Bloodline Kit - "Uniting fans from all corners of Vancouver, bloodlines connect us through a shared passion and love of the beautiful game."
The only team still missing a kit name and a new kit altogether are CF Montreal, who announced a delay in its release. St. Louis City meanwhile have two new shirts, of course soon to play their inaugural season of MLS.
What do you think of MLS clubs' recent tradition of naming their kits? Do you know of any non-American clubs who do this? Comment below.
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The Kashiwa Reysol 2026-27 kits feature a striking design centered around the concept of "Break the Light." The home shirt incorporates the club's traditional yellow and black colors, separated by dynamic geometric patterns that symbolize moving through the light. The away and keeper kits mirror the design in different colors.
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The Robey KVC Westerlo 2026-27 home shirt features the club's traditional yellow and blue colors. Launched with the slogan 'Designed for you. Worn by you. Because you are Westel,' the design aims to celebrate the strong bond between the team, its supporters, and the local Kempen region.
