Major League Soccer launched its league-wide Pride celebration this week, unveiling his Pride kit and presenting it to players for warm-ups during two “Pride” matches.
Online, the jersey itself is raising eyebrows, sarcastic comments and, yes, praise.
The jersey debuted Wednesday night during the “Pride” matches between Inter Miami and Orlando City, as well as against the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Colorado Rapids.
Many of the clubs’ players wore the MLS Pride jersey during warm-ups, including Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez, who is tied for the league lead with 11 goals scored.
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At a time when other leagues are opting out of featuring the Pride on the field or ice, it’s refreshing to see MLS going in the opposite direction. Last year, the NHL banned all Pride rainbows on the ice before bowing to massive pressure from fans and players and allowing the use of Pride Tape. on sticks during warm-ups. The league still bans Pride jerseys.
Major League Baseball has reportedly banned teams from wearing Pride caps, although the They say the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants have “acquired rights” and be able to carry them.
As for the jerseys themselves, they’re certainly getting some attention online.
The line is produced by Adidas and designed by the Brazilian drag queen Pablo Vittar, who said that “their goal for the collection was to broaden the lens through which we are seen.” Adidas’ United Against Racism said in a statement: “The collection is inspired by Brazilian swimwear and Pabllo Vittar’s iconic club style on stage.”
Comments on Major League Soccer’s X post questioned the subtlety of the rainbow on the primarily brown, gray and black uniforms. From the stands, the rainbow is not visible and the words on the front – Love Unites – are barely legible.
Actually, This year, Adidas’ entire Pride range features discreet rainbows.
Others questioned the camouflage pattern.
It looks like when gasoline pours into a lake
– ⚽️Wyatt (@Superduperwyatt) May 15, 2024
Nothing in this jersey seems to me to be a source of pride, apart from the (difficult to read) “love unites”
— Lexi ✨ (@misslexilouwho) May 15, 2024
A handful of commenters like the university.
I actually like the pride kit this year
– 206.casual (@206_casual) May 15, 2024
Either way, it’s great to see MLS not backing down from Pride, and Adidas continuing to offer a Pride line. Outsports is hearing that at least one major sportswear brand is opting out of creating a Pride line this year, which would be extremely unfortunate.
Adidas continues its commitment to providing resources to the LGBTQ community, pushing for acceptance in sports. Next month, Athlete Ally will host its third Athlete Activism Summitpresented by Adidas, which brings together college sports professionals to share ideas on how to increase LGBTQ inclusion in their sports world.
Ashley Czarnowksi, senior director of Adidas Global Purpose, said the company’s work in this area is not limited to Pride Month, but 52 weeks a year.
“Our year-round collaboration with Athlete Ally aims to break down barriers to sport – fostering a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world where everyone has access to participation,” Czarnowski said in a statement.
Sponsorship deal between Adidas and gay runner Nico Youngas he sets his sights on the Paris Summer Olympics, demonstrates real dedication to LGBTQ athletes.
You can get your MLS Pride gear from their online store. The Adidas Pride collection is here.
