Soccer MLS

Introducing The New MLS Logo

MLS CREST

Courtesy of MLS

MLS has just come out with a new logo, and it’s interesting, to say the least.

As a commemorative adjustment to marking 20 years in existence, MLS decided to change its logo a bit. On the eve of the debuts of New York City FC and Orlando City SC, as well as new media partnerships and stadiums, MLS wants to start anew, and that process was started by switching the crest in order to let people know the league is actually soccer. Although it was previously distinguishable, with a cleat and ball pairing that couldn’t be mistaken by even the most uneducated Americans.

This whole process is being named “MLS Next,” and the means of this is to reach their end goal, which audaciously is to be one of the world’s top leagues by 2022. What better way to reach the goal than to change the crest?

First and foremost, they put “MLS,” on the picture, which is a must for every league ever in existence. It also features three stars, which stand for the “pillars of the brand: for Club, for Country, for Community,” and the perimeter of the crest actually represents the boundaries of a real playing field. Impressive and thought provoking? Maybe.

The most impressive feature is the slash, which is said to represent soccer’s speed and energy. It also separates the crest into two halves, which signify the first and second halves of a match (crazy, right?). The first half contains the “MLS” acronym and the three stars; the second half is a white space, a blank canvas if you will. This part is respectable because it technically could be filled with anything the beholder wants. It could be their end goal or your wildest dreams.

While the crest represents something greater than MLS, the logo is a weak design at best. I would’ve been happy with something similar to the Bundesliga with a silhouette kicking a ball, as leagues like the NBA and MLB have. If they really stretched their boundaries, they could’ve even had one as fantastic as the Premier League’s logo. Then again, that would be outstepping their boundaries, as the current quality of play seems to be represented in the logo.

All in all, the MLS logo is interesting to say the least, but is the right step forward in a new direction.

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