nick wate.rs

Earlier this week, the MLS announced its first Jersey Week, which will occur from February 25 through February 28. MLS said Jersey Week will be held annually as a kick-off to the season. Jersey Week will have the most value if teams and the league are able to stop leaks of the new shirts.

Stopping the leaks may be easier said than done, as online communities and blogs have become quite successful at leaking jersey designs well before they are introduced. As listed below, more than half of the 2013 MLS jerseys appear to have been leaked prior to Jersey Week:

• Timbers Primary - LEAKED
• Timbers Second - POTENTIALLY LEAKED (Could be an earlier prototype model based on changes apparently made to primary)
• Sounders Primary - LEAKED
• Sounders Second - LEAKED
• Rapids Primary - RELEASED DURING 2012 SEASON
• Rapids Second
• Dynamo Primary
• Dynamo Second
• TFC Primary - LEAKED (More on team’s accidental leak)
• RBNY Primary - LEAKED
• Sporting KC Primary
• Whitecaps Primary - PARTIALLY LEAKED
• Galaxy Second
• Impact Third - LEAKED
• Chivas USA Second
• Union Third

If the leaks detailed above turn out to be correct, nine of 16 jerseys would be leaked or released prior to Jersey Week. Moving Jersey Week a few weeks earlier could help the league prevent leaks and also generate more sales as fans prepare for the upcoming season.

(Leak information primarily sourced from the incomparable Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Community.)