NYCFC Plans New York City Kit for 2023 Season
While kit rumors around the league begin to leak, public records reveal that NYCFC have been working on yet another deal with Mayor Eric Adams, this time on an “exclusive soccer uniform”.
Based on public records reviewed by The Outfield, NYCFC is planning to contract with NYC & Company, in order to create an “exclusive soccer uniform that honors the City of New York for their 2023 season”. NYC & Company handles marketing for New York City, with a stated mission to “maximize travel and tourism opportunities throughout the City, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world”. The deal would allow NYCFC the non-exclusive use of city-owned trademarks on merchandise.
The records reviewed note that this is a one-time program whose sole focus is to bring attention to the City, piggybacking off of the recent MLS Cup Championship in 2021.
“NYCFC is the reigning MLS Cup champion, having won the MLS Cup in 2021. NYCFC will be creating an exclusive soccer uniform that honors the City of New York for their 2023 season. It will be a one-time program, aimed to bring attention to the City. With the current state of travel and retail, it is in the City’s best interest to create programs that elevate New York City to top of mind conversation nationally. With the rise of soccer and the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to New York City, it is now in the City’s best interest to enter into a concession agreement with NYCFC to continue to grow the City’s presence within soccer.”
The records reviewed note that NYCFC “expressed interest” in creating the exclusive uniform honoring NYC for the 2023 season and that this program will help provide opportunities for city-owned trademarks to be “worn by a potential new group of people that would not normally wear New York City licensed goods” due to NYCFC’s “global reach”.
According to the records reviewed, NYCFC will pay a licensing fee of 5% of Net Sales, with a minimum of $10,000 guaranteed.
The records reviewed included the below exhibit of city-owned trademarks that could potentially be used on the 2023 kit.
City officials with the Department of Small Business Services declined to provide the agreement at this time as it would “impair present or imminent contract awards”. NYCFC did not respond to requests for comment.
It’s not clear at the moment if the above exhibit contains all trademarks available for NYCFC on the 2023 kit, or what, if any of them will be utilized. It’s also possible that the use of city-owned trademarks is only for a jersey available for purchase and not necessarily worn on the pitch during MLS play.
The NYCFC faithful may just have to wait a while longer for the big kit reveal via car bed to begin the love/hate relationship with this season’s replacement for Bronx Blue.❧
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