NWSL Unveils Bold New Kits for 2026 Season

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has collaborated with Nike to introduce 18 new kits for all 16 teams, launching ahead of the 2026 season. This collection features inaugural designs for expansion teams Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, alongside new third kits for nine clubs and updated primary and secondary kits for others.

The new jersey designs emphasize bold colors and city-community driven details, aiming to expand each team's visual identity. Notably, several kits carry significant meaning. The Spirit's jersey honors Seattle's cherry blossoms, while San Diego's 'Balboa Park' kit references its iconic tile work. North Carolina's 'Become' kit features a native Venus Fly Trap pattern.

A particularly moving design is Orlando's 'Unity' kit, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. This kit honors the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring multi-colored ribbons. It serves as a permanent tribute, drawing parallels to coach Seb Hines' past solidarity gesture.

Other teams also showcased unique themes. Houston's 'Houston Chronicles' kit celebrates culture and journalism, while Racing's kit features a disco ball and Portland's a rose motif. Gotham's new look, inspired by Lady Liberty, has been polarizing, with some appreciating its uniqueness and others finding the color palette jarring.

Expansion teams Boston Legacy and Denver Summit presented simpler inaugural kits. Boston's 'First Light' kit focuses on introducing its primary green color, while Denver's kits aim to reflect the state's natural beauty. While some designs were praised for their boldness and storytelling, others were critiqued for being too busy or lacking a distinct identity.