News Summary
Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have launched the United We Play pre-match jersey, celebrating diversity in the league, which represents over 80 countries. Teams like the Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union are promoting this new jersey, available for fans to purchase. Additionally, MLS has updated its diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring policies, aiming to improve representation in coaching roles. The revamped policies include ensuring diverse candidate pools for technical positions, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive future in soccer.
Philadelphia, PA – Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas have officially launched the 2025 United We Play pre-match jersey, highlighting the league’s commitment to celebrating diversity. This new jersey will be donned by teams across the league and signifies the representation of over 80 countries within MLS, which has evolved into the most diverse professional soccer league globally over its 30-year history.
The United We Play top aims to foster an inclusive spirit and is already being promoted by teams such as the Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union. Fans can purchase the jersey through various MLS team stores, including the Philadelphia Union Shop, as well as on online platforms. As the 2025 season approaches, the release of the new jersey coincides with the unveiling of the MLS schedule, encouraging fans to secure their tickets for upcoming matches at Subaru Park.
In addition to this celebration of diversity through merchandise, MLS has also revealed significant updates to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies for sporting positions. These revisions are paramount for enhancing the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule, which is designed to ensure that Black candidates are more prominently represented in hiring practices.
Currently, the player pool in MLS includes 25% Black athletes, but this representation diminishes significantly when considering coaching roles, with only 7% of assistant coaches and 10% of head coaches identifying as Black. The updated policy encompasses a clear definition of underrepresented groups which takes into account various racial, ethnic, and gender identities, addressing prior criticisms regarding the vague categorization of Hispanic and Latinx groups.
Key changes in the revised hiring policy include a new requirement that finalist pools for open technical positions must have at least two non-white candidates, with one being Black or African American. This marks a shift from the old policy, where only one candidate from a diverse background was mandated to be interviewed. The new approach intends to ensure that all candidates have comparable experience, thus enhancing the integrity of the hiring process.
Additionally, the broader definition of “minority” previously employed led to interpretations that diluted the original intent of promoting diversity. Compliance with this updated policy will be monitored by the league’s general counsel and the DEI office, with support from MLS leadership to ensure adherence. Teams that fail to comply face potential sanctions, which could include fines amounting to $50,000 for first-time violations.
To facilitate transparency and accountability, MLS will establish a diversity policy portal that requires teams to submit detailed information about vacant technical positions and the candidates considered. This effort aligns with MLS’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment, and the policy will undergo annual evaluations to ensure it evolves in response to interview and hiring data.
As soccer continues to grow in popularity across diverse communities, the partnership between MLS and adidas not only serves to embrace the multitude of cultures represented within the league but also signifies a step toward a more equitable future in coaching and administrative roles. By implementing progressive hiring practices, MLS aims to create an environment that reflects the rich tapestry of its players and supporters alike.
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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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