Carolina Core is the first football club in the US Major Soccer League (MLS) Next Pro not to be kitted out by Adidas. Adidas was, to this date, the sole supplier for all clubs due to an agreement with the MLS. Now, almost 30 years after the MLS was founded in 1996, Danish sportswear brand Hummel is the first non-Adidas brand to be integrated into the MLS ecosystem after signing a long-term deal with Carolina Core. Under the new agreement, Hummel will provide Carolina Core with customized training and travel apparel.
While MLS Next is a youth football league in the US and Canada managed, organized, and controlled by MLS, which introduced it in 2020, the MLS Next Pro is a professional football league that began play in 2022. It consists of 27 franchises from the US and Canada and primarily serves to promote young talent. All teams are farm teams of a MLS franchise.
The MLS is the highest division in US and Canadian football and is an independent organization recognized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The MLS was founded in 1996.
As recently as March 2023, the MLS and Adidas signed a multi-year partnership extension. Under the multi-faceted agreement, Adidas was to continue as the official supplier for the league, its clubs and youth academies. As a founding and strategic partner of MLS, Adidas continues to be at the core of the league’s efforts to grow its business both on- and off-field in North America and beyond. To support this partnership endeavor, Adidas also agreed to bolster key development efforts with MLS Next Pro and MLS Next.
“This move not only symbolizes a significant milestone for Hummel but also marks the beginning of a new era for our journey in the US market,” said Hummel CEO Allan Vad Nielsen. “We see great opportunity in the market and with our strong focus on innovation and quality, this is a big step in our growth trajectory, highlighting in particular our offering of unique jerseys and customized items. We look forward to working with Carolina Core to set new standards and make an indelible mark on the vibrant landscape of MLS.”
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Hummel is known for its logo and chevrons, which can currently be seen on numerous globally recognized teams, including the Danish national team, Everton from the English Premier League, Werder Bremen and 1. FC Köln from the German Bundesliga, and Real Betis from La Liga. Carolina Core now joins these teams and other USL Championship and League One clubs as part of Hummel’s extensive global portfolio.
