News Summary
Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have launched the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey, celebrating the league’s diversity and advancing inclusion. The vibrant design symbolizes unity among players and fans from over 80 countries. Teams like Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union are actively promoting the jersey, which aligns with MLS’s commitment to enhancing community connection. Additionally, MLS is revising its diversity hiring policies to improve representation among technical staff. The initiative marks a significant step towards embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the league and its workforce.
Major MLS and adidas Unveil 2025 United We Play Jersey to Celebrate Diversity
New York City — Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have officially announced the launch of the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey, a new kit designed to honor the league’s rich diversity and promote inclusion across its teams and fan base. This collaborative initiative underscores both organizations’ commitment to celebrating cultural variety and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within professional soccer.
Introduction of the United We Play Jersey
The United We Play top will be worn as a pre-match jersey by participating teams during the upcoming season. It features a vibrant design that highlights the multicultural makeup of MLS, which currently encompasses players and fans representing more than 80 countries across North America. The jersey’s design aims to symbolize unity and inclusivity on the field, aligning with the league’s efforts to embrace its diverse identity.
Teams such as the Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union are already promoting the new jersey, which will be available to fans for purchase both online and through physical stores, including various team outlets such as the Philadelphia Union Shop. The initiative is expected to drive engagement and foster a stronger sense of community among supporters, emphasizing shared values beyond sport.
Availability and Marketing
Fans interested in acquiring the United We Play top can find it through multiple channels, with sales extending across online platforms and in-store locations linked to MLS teams. The launch coincides with the release of the 2025 match schedule, encouraging supporters to secure tickets for upcoming games at venues such as Subaru Park, where the jersey will be prominently featured during pre-match presentations.
MLS Revises Diversity Hiring Policies
In addition to the jersey launch, MLS announced comprehensive revisions to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies for technical and sporting staff positions. The new policies aim to improve representation and ensure a fair, transparent process in hiring decisions across the league.
Enhanced Rooney Rule and Candidate Pool Requirements
The updated DEI policy enhances the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule-based initiatives, primarily focusing on increasing the number of Black candidates in the final interview process. Notably, MLS mandates that finalist pools for open technical positions must include at least two non-white candidates, with at least one being Black or African American. This marks an increase from previous policies, which permitted only one diverse candidate per vacancy.
Furthermore, teams are required to demonstrate that their interview process involves candidates with comparable experience levels, aiming to reduce bias and ensure fair evaluation of all applicants. The policy broadens the definition of underrepresented groups, encompassing various racial, ethnic, and gender identities, although this expansion has faced criticism for potentially diluting its original intent.
Oversight, Enforcement, and Compliance
The MLS league office, through its general counsel and DEI office, will oversee adherence to the new DEI hiring policies, with input from league leadership. Teams failing to comply with the updated standards could face sanctions, including fines up to $50,000 for first violations.
MLS plans to implement a diversity policy portal requiring clubs to submit detailed information about vacant technical roles and candidate pools. The effectiveness of these measures will be monitored annually, with the league adjusting policies as necessary based on hiring data and outcome evaluations.
Background and Context
Over its 30-year history, MLS has grown to become the most diverse professional soccer league worldwide, with a player base that reflects North America’s multicultural makeup. The league’s focus on diversity and inclusion has intensified in recent years, pushing for systemic changes that promote equity at all levels of employment.
As part of this ongoing effort, the United We Play initiative and revised hiring policies underscore MLS’s commitment to creating a league that not only celebrates diversity on the field but also reflects broader societal values of fairness and representation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Portland Timbers News
- Philadelphia Union News
- MLS Soccer News
- ESPN Soccer Article
- CNBC News Article
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Google Search: Major League Soccer Diversity Policy
- Google Scholar: Diversity in Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- Google News: Major League Soccer
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