News Summary
Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have unveiled the United We Play pre-match jersey to honor the cultural diversity in the league. Designed for teams across MLS, the jersey celebrates the representation of over 80 countries. Additionally, MLS is updating its diversity and inclusion hiring policies to enhance representation for underrepresented groups. The league’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment on and off the field continues with these initiatives, which will include new reporting requirements for hiring practices.
Philadelphia, PA – Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have launched the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey to celebrate the diversity that defines the league. The new jersey will be worn by teams across the league and is designed to honor the rich cultural representation of over 80 countries on MLS pitches.
The United We Play top emphasizes inclusivity and will be available for fans to purchase both online and in physical stores, including various MLS team locations like the Philadelphia Union Shop. The 2025 MLS schedule has also been released, inviting fans to secure tickets for upcoming matches at Subaru Park.
In related news, MLS has implemented significant updates to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies for sporting positions. This revised policy aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule, which focuses on increasing Black candidate representation within the league. Currently, while Black players constitute 25% of the player pool in MLS, only 7% of assistant coaches and 10% of head coaches are Black.
The updated policy establishes a clear definition of underrepresented groups, encompassing various racial, ethnic, and gender identities. However, it has received criticism for combining Hispanic and Latinx identities into one group, which some experts believe dilutes the effectiveness of the initiative.
The newly revised hiring policy requires that finalist pools for open technical positions include at least two non-white candidates, with one of them being Black or African American. This is a significant shift from the previous policy, which permitted only one diverse candidate to be interviewed. Teams will also need to demonstrate that their interview processes cover candidates with comparable experience across all positions.
The broader definition of “minority” introduced in the updated policy has led to questions about its implementation and impact on candidate diversity. Oversight of adherence to the updated policy will fall under MLS’ general counsel and DEI office, with input from league leadership, creating a mechanism for accountability. Teams that do not comply with these new requirements may face sanctions, including fines of up to $50,000 for first offenses.
MLS will also establish a diversity policy portal that requires clubs to report details regarding vacant technical positions and the candidates interviewed. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to ensure transparency and commitment to DEI principles. The league plans to evaluate this policy annually, making necessary adjustments based on the data collected on interviews and hiring outcomes.
The introduction of the United We Play jersey, together with the revised hiring policy, signals MLS’s commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment both on and off the field. As a league that has emerged as the most diverse professional soccer league globally over its 30-year history, Major League Soccer aims to further enhance representation and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals involved in the game.
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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYorkCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York City, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York City, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
