Sporting Kansas City’s new secondary jersey for the 2022 and 2023 seasons was unveiled today. Fans can place pre-orders online at MLSstore.com, or sign up to be notified by SportingStyle - and receive free jersey customization - when the new secondary kit is in stock at Children's Mercy Park.
Continuing the team’s tradition of a Dark Indigo secondary kit, Sporting’s newest jersey pays homage to the unique importance of the state line for both the city and the club with a subtle embossing of 913 and 816, the regional area codes for Kansas and Missouri respectively, emanating from the state line that anchors the club’s crest.
The state line brand element, which was introduced in the center of the club’s crest during Sporting’s rebrand in 2010 and has been featured in team jerseys since 2011, signifies the shared border between Kansas and Missouri. In 2011, the original state line kit debuted with a single-needle stitch intersecting the crest on secondary jerseys.
In 2013, the state line was prominently showcased on both the team’s primary and secondary jerseys as Sporting won MLS Cup in the now iconic State Line Split kit. Most recently, the state line was incorporated into the windowpane pattern on the Sporting Blue primary kits in 2015 and 2016.
The State Line 3.0 kit, which will be worn with Dark Indigo shorts and socks, brings back the distinctive design detail and will be the first secondary kit in club history in which the team’s signature Sporting Blue is utilized as the exclusive color for sponsor logos as well as player names and numbers. The jersey also features Sporting Blue trim around the neck and sleeves in addition to notable elements emblazoned to both the interior and exterior of the back neck.
Above the player’s number and name is a meaningful mark honoring two pieces of historic architecture – one from each side of the state line. A shuttlecock pays tribute to the iconic sculptures at the world-famous Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, while the Rosedale Memorial Arch commemorates local citizens who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
In addition, a necktape adorned to the inside of the kits is accentuated with the 913 and 816 area codes as well as the words “Two states. One City. One Club.” The mantra, a celebration of the special ability for soccer and Sporting to unite the region, was first featured on Sporting’s new primary kit in 2021 and now links the two jerseys in 2022.
Major League Soccer's exclusive supplier, adidas has provided the club's uniforms since the inaugural season in 1996. The kits utilize the latest adidas AEROREADY moisture-wicking fabric for optimum on-field performance and the classic adidas Three Stripes run along the shoulders.
After debuting as the club's first jersey sleeve partner in 2020, Compass Minerals was announced last week as Sporting KC’s official jersey front partner for the next seven seasons. Based in Overland Park, Kan., the new logo of the global essential minerals provider will be prominently displayed on the front of all Sporting KC kits and Compass Minerals will also serve as an associate partner of The Victory Project as part of a multi-faceted partnership that includes naming rights for Compass Minerals National Performance Center and Compass Minerals Sporting Fields in Wyandotte County.
Sporting will host a State Line Block Party, presented by Michelob Ultra and adidas, on Sunday, Feb. 27 in the heart of West 39th Street. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT – including live music, yard games and drink specials – and the watch party will feature a large LED screen for viewing Sporting KC’s nationally-televised season opener against Atlanta United FC live at 2 p.m. CT. The fan event is open to attendees of all ages, however fans are required to reserve a free ticket via SeatGeek in advance.
