Sporting Kansas City unveiled the team’s third jerseys moments before kickoff tonight, taking the field at Sporting Park in an all-black alternate uniform that pays homage to the club’s roots when the team wore black in their first four seasons from 1996-1999.
The limited edition Sporting Kansas City authentic third jersey, along with a line of merchandise that includes t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, tank tops and scarves, will be on sale exclusively at Sporting Style locations inside Sporting Park during tonight’s match. The items will then be made available online at shop.sportingkc.com starting on Sunday.
“Our in-house brand team set out to create a kit that blurs the line between fashion and sports,” said John Moncke, Sporting Kansas City’s Vice President of Stadium and Brand Revenue. “This jersey looks just as good with denim as it does on the field. You can wear this out, and people won't think you have a soccer jersey on.”
Complete with a collar at the neck, the jersey material is 30% lighter than the previous generation of kits and the design features an argyle pattern across the front that alternates between the team’s Sporting Blue and Dark Indigo colors. Adidas, Major League Soccer's exclusive supplier, has provided the club's uniforms since the inaugural season in 1996.
Ivy Funds, Sporting Kansas City's presenting jersey partner and the official investment management partner of Sporting Club, is prominently showcased with the asset management firm's logo centrally located on the front of the uniform. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., Ivy Funds entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Sporting Kansas City that was announced at the 2013 MLS SuperDraft earlier this year.
In addition to Saturday’s match, Sporting Kansas City will wear the alternate jersey for select CONCACAF Champions League games during the 2013-2014 tournament and designated matches during the team’s defense of their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title.
Sporting Kansas City’s third kit release showcases the club’s emphasis on trendsetting fashion styles and provides a distinctive new look and feel for the team’s evolving brand. Sporting KC currently ranks second in merchandise revenue per capita amongst all MLS teams to date this season.
“We think that if you have a conversation about the coolest kits in the world, then our third kit should be a part of that dialogue," Moncke said.
Sporting Kansas City’s match against the Portland Timbers at Sporting Park is broadcast live on KSMO-TV, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Gran D 1340 AM. Full match coverage, including reaction to the third kits, will be available on SportingKC.com.
