New York City, NY, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Major League Soccer and adidas have unveiled the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey, aimed at celebrating the league’s diversity. This initiative includes significant changes to hiring policies to increase the representation of Black candidates among technical staff. The new jersey will be worn by teams to emphasize inclusivity. Alongside the launch, MLS is implementing stricter diversity policies to ensure fair hiring practices and penalize non-compliance. Teams must now incorporate underrepresented candidates in their hiring processes, showcasing a commitment to diversity in soccer.
New York City, NY – Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have announced a groundbreaking initiative with the unveiling of the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey. The new jersey is set to celebrate the rich diversity represented within the league, which includes players from over 80 countries and has become the most diverse professional soccer league globally over its 30-year history.
The United We Play top will be worn by teams during matches to foster inclusivity and highlight the various cultures that contribute to the league’s identity. Teams such as the Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union are already championing this jersey, which will be available for purchase both online and in MLS team stores, including the Philadelphia Union Shop.
Alongside the jersey launch, MLS has also announced significant revisions to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies. These changes include updates to the Rooney Rule aimed at increasing the representation of Black candidates in coaching positions, as only 7% of assistant coaches and 10% of head coaches in MLS are currently Black, despite a 25% Black player pool.
The new policy introduces a clear definition of underrepresented groups that encompasses various racial, ethnic, and gender identities. This revision responds to previous criticisms regarding the combination of Hispanic and Latinx groups into one category, which some experts argued diluted the policy’s intent.
Effective immediately, teams must ensure that finalist pools for technical positions include at least two non-white candidates, with one being Black or African American. This marks a notable shift from the previous requirement of interviewing one diverse candidate. Furthermore, clubs must demonstrate that interview processes are equitable by ensuring candidates possess comparable levels of experience. Teams that do not comply with these new regulations will face penalties, including fines of up to $50,000 for initial infractions.
MLS is also launching a diversity policy portal that will require clubs to submit information regarding vacant technical positions and details about candidates. These policies will be evaluated annually to adapt based on data gathered from interviews and hiring practices throughout the league.
The release of the 2025 schedule has also been announced, urging fans to secure tickets for the upcoming matches scheduled at Subaru Park.
Background on MLS Diversity Initiatives
The Major League Soccer has championed diversity throughout its history. With an increasing number of players representing various cultures and ethnicities, the league has made it a mission to reflect this diversity in its hiring practices. The new jersey is a symbolic representation of this commitment, using the platform of sports to promote a message of inclusion and representation.
As the league continues to evolve, its focus on enhancing diversity hiring policies aims to create a more inclusive environment for players, coaches, and organization staff alike. The updated measures are a response to ongoing conversations about representation in sports and are set to change the landscape of hiring practices within soccer.
Conclusion
The partnership between MLS and adidas through the United We Play initiative marks a pivotal moment in celebrating diversity in soccer. Coupled with updated hiring practices focused on increasing representation across various roles, it indicates a progressive step forward for the league that seeks to embrace and uplift all individuals involved in the beautiful game.
FAQ Section
What is the United We Play top?
The United We Play top is a pre-match jersey launched by MLS and adidas to celebrate the diversity of the league, with players from over 80 countries.
When will the United We Play top be available?
The top will be available for purchase online and at various MLS team stores.
What changes have been made to MLS hiring policies?
MLS has revised its diversity hiring policy to require teams to include at least two non-white candidates in hiring pools for technical positions, enhancing representation of Black candidates.
What are the penalties for teams not complying with the new hiring policy?
Teams that do not comply with the new diversity hiring policy may face sanctions, including fines of up to $50,000 for initial offenses.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| United We Play Top | A pre-match jersey celebrating the diversity of players in MLS. |
| Diversity Hiring Policies | Revised policies aimed at increasing representation of Black candidates and other underrepresented groups. |
| Diversity Policy Portal | A system created for clubs to submit details about vacant technical positions and candidates. |
| Fines for Non-Compliance | Initial fines of up to $50,000 for teams failing to adhere to the diversity hiring policy. |
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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