In a potential shakeup, David Beckham, co-owner of MLS team Inter Miami, has hinted at the possibility of releasing a third kit for the 2024 season. This conjecture has arisen from a recent video posted by Classic Football Shirts, in which, Beckham revealed his fondness for a specific blue color replicated from a Real Madrid third kit of the 2004-05 season, suggesting it could make its debut on Inter Miami’s own new jersey. Historically, the endorsement of a third kit by sport manufacturer Adidas has been dependent on the team’s jersey sales, a criterion which Inter Miami seems to fulfill after their signing of Argentinian soccer superstar — Lionel Messi that has elevated the team’s jersey sales. Details regarding the new jersey’s final design and debut date have yet to be announced.
David Beckham’s Hint
The world of Major League Soccer (MLS) is abuzz with the news that Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, may be introducing a third jersey in the 2024 season. Those who follow the club were excited to hear this hint dropped by Beckham himself. The former English footballer and global sports icon spoke about adopting a blue color scheme for the third kit, suggesting a major deviation from the club’s traditional white, pink, or black themes.
Inter Miami’s third kit in 2024 MLS season
The introduction of a third kit for Inter Miami in 2024 was hinted at by Beckham in a video posted on the Classic Football Shirts YouTube channel. With blue as a suggested color, the new jersey is expected to stand apart from anything the club has seen before. This speculation has added a stirring dose of anticipation for what the team’s wardrobe will look like in the approaching season.
Potential colors for the third kit
While Inter Miami’s core colors have always been white, pink, or black, Beckham hinted at a completely different palette for the third kit. He expressed a fondness for the color blue, signaling a likely departure from the colors fans have grown accustomed to. The possible introduction of a new color scheme may also point towards a new stage in the evolution of the franchise’s branding.
Lionel Messi’s Influence
The impact of Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer superstar, on Inter Miami cannot be understated. His influence on the club’s fortunes, both on the field and in the merchandise section, has sparked conjecture over the roll-out of a third kit.
Jersey sales following Messi’s signing
The signing of Messi has had a profound effect on Inter Miami’s jersey sales. Supporters have flocked to sport the superstar’s name on their backs—so much so that the sales figures likely had a hand in the potential decision to introduce a third shirt to the team’s line-up.
Potential impact on third kit decision
The immense jersey sales following Messi’s signing have led to speculation that this may influence Inter Miami’s decision to introduce a third kit for the 2024 season. The commercial turnout from jersey sales post-Messi’s signing provides insight into the potential success a third kit could bring the franchise.
Comparison with Other MLS Clubs
The release of third kits is not novel to MLS. A look into the league’s history reveals other clubs that have adopted this strategy, presenting a valuable comparison for Inter Miami.
Previous MLS clubs with third kits
The introduction of a third kit is not a new phenomenon in Major League Soccer. In the 2023 season alone, four MLS clubs released third kits namely Atlanta United, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, and Toronto FC. The positive reception of these kits strengthens the business case for Inter Miami’s third-kit initiative.
Pattern of third-kit releases based on jersey sales
The decision to release a third kit often stems from robust jersey sales. Teams that experience high sales, like Inter Miami after the signing of Messi, often decide to release a third kit to keep the momentum going. This trend aligns Inter Miami with other successful clubs who have leveraged strong sales as a catalyst for third-kit releases.
Design Inspiration
Beckham’s love for a specific Real Madrid kit may shape the design of Inter Miami’s third kit. His admiration for this iconic jersey may serve as a crucial design reference for what fans can expect in 2024.
Beckham’s admiration for the Real Madrid 2004-05 third kit
It’s exciting to see ties between the potential third kit of Inter Miami and the iconic third kit of Real Madrid from the 2004-05 season. The latter, adored by Beckham, boasted a mesmerizing blue color that Beckham has openly considered replicating for Inter Miami’s third kit.
Potential replication for Inter Miami’s third kit
Beckham’s admiration of the Real Madrid third kit has stoked speculation about the design of Inter Miami’s potential third jersey. If Beckham’s taste is anything to go by, fans are in for a striking kit that could become a lasting symbol of the franchise’s growth and evolution.
Departure from Traditional Colours
The introduction of a third kit with a unique color could mark a significant turning point in Inter Miami’s branding history. As revealed by Beckham, this decision would be a deviation from the team’s usual colors.
Inter Miami’s usual kit colors
Over its life span in the MLS, Inter Miami has not strayed from its brand colors, going with white, pink, and black kits. This consistency has made its color scheme recognizable and familiar to its fans and the general public.
Indications of a new design direction with the blue color hint
Hinting at a possible color change, Beckham signalled what could be a pivotal shift in Inter Miami’s design direction. The potential blue color scheme could provide a breath of fresh air, changing the face of the team and shaping a new identity for the franchise.
New Sponsorship
A change of clothing isn’t the only change that Inter Miami is experiencing. In 2023, the club announced a deal with Royal Caribbean International, the internationally recognized cruise line company, adding another dimension of anticipation for the third kit.
Inter Miami’s partnership with Royal Caribbean International
In August 2023, Inter Miami announced a multiyear partnership with Royal Caribbean International. The collaboration sees Royal Caribbean replace cryptofinance firm XBTO as the main sponsor, paving the way for a new logo to grace the front of the jerseys.
Impact of the new sponsor on kit design
The new partnership with Royal Caribbean International is also expected to influence the design of the third kit. Given the company’s own recognizable branding and color scheme, it’s plausible that its influence could be reflected in the kit, extending further than just the placement of its logo.
Adidas’s Role
Adidas, the renowned sports apparel manufacturer, has been a longstanding partner for many MLS clubs, and Inter Miami is no exception. This partnership is expected to have implications on the design and production of the third kit.
Adidas as a customary kit manufacturer for MLS clubs
Adidas has been the trusted kit manufacturer for several MLS clubs, deeply rooted in the league’s history. Any hint of a third kit naturally signals that fans should prepare for an Adidas-produced jersey.
Adidas’s potential involvement in the third kit
As customary kit manufacturer, Adidas’s role will undoubtedly be integral in the creation of Inter Miami’s third kit for the 2024 season. The company’s signature style, innovative design approach, and quality control all reassure fans of a top-quality kit.
Trends in the MLS kit releases
A glimpse into the history of kit release trends in the MLS provides valuable insights into what could transpire for Inter Miami.
Typical timing and frequency of new kit releases
Teams in the MLS have conventionally released new kits before the start of a new season. Any deviation from this timing is often driven by unique circumstances or promotions. As for frequency, several successful clubs have employed the strategy of introducing additional kits to sustain momentum from high jersey sales.
How additional kits impact club’s branding and merchandise sales
Beyond the pitch, the release of additional kits can significantly boost a club’s branding and merchandise sales. This strategy creates a new wave of excitement among fans, motivating them to buy the newest merchandise. It provides a means to leverage positive public sentiment and capitalize on heightened brand visibility.
Fan Reactions and Anticipations
Even with Beckham’s hint, fans reacted to the news with varying levels of anticipation and expectation.
Fan’s response to Beckham’s hint
The news that a third kit could be in the works for Inter Miami sparked excitement among fans. This prospect has created a palpable buzz, generating a great deal of speculation and anticipation for what the 2024 season could hold.
Potential fan expectations based on previous third kits in MLS
Given the league’s history of third kits, fans have high expectations. They will be drawing on the experiences of other clubs to envision what Inter Miami’s kit could look like. This process allows for well-informed and robust conversation around the third kit’s potential design.
Potential Impact on Jersey Sales
The introduction of a third kit typically has a considerable impact on a club’s jersey sales—an effect that Inter Miami will likely experience.
Projected jersey sales following the third kit release
With the potential introduction of a third kit and the inherent excitement surrounding it, Inter Miami can expect to see a rise in jersey sales. This strategy has proven successful for other clubs, shining a positive light on the proposed move and suggesting a favorable return on investment.
Comparison with sales following Messi signing
Despite the significant impact that Messi’s signing had on Inter Miami’s jersey sales, the introduction of a new third kit offers another substantial opportunity for the club. The proposed third kit has the potential to shift even more merchandise—especially if its design aligns well with fans’ expectations and preferences.