The time machine’s been fired up once more. After turning heads and dropping jaws last year, the adidas x MLS Archive Collection is back for a second spin — and this time, it’s even bigger, louder, and bolder. Inspired by the unfiltered aesthetic of late-‘90s and early-2000s football culture, this drop dives deep into the archives, reimagining iconic club visuals through a lens of retro sportswear nostalgia.
This season, ten MLS clubs are suiting up in freshly minted third kits that tap into a golden age of football fits — a time when flashy patterns, oversized logos, and unapologetic swagger ruled the pitch. Featured clubs include Charlotte FC, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Minnesota United, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, and Seattle Sounders — all getting the full Archive Collection treatment.
Last year’s launch, which saw Inter Miami CF, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City take centre stage, was a certified hit. Now, year two of the Archive Collection builds on that momentum, delivering something that’s equal parts cultural tribute and streetwear statement.
“Third jerseys are always a favorite amongst our fans, and this collection’s take on soccer nostalgia exemplifies the League’s commitment to honoring the unique culture and history that exists across our clubs and communities,” said Rachel Hoagland, MLS SVP of Consumer Products.
More than just kits, each look is supported by a matching pair of adidas Gazelle shoes and jackets — because this isn’t just about the game, it’s about the full drip. Whether you're on the terraces, the streets, or scrolling vintage footy ads on your feed, this collection hits different.
Drawing creative fuel from old-school sports broadcasts, print ads, catalog spreads and the club DNA from decades past, adidas and the clubs have created bespoke designs that fuse throwback flair with modern sensibilities. Logos from yesteryear make triumphant returns, while bold colour blocking and nostalgic patterns speak fluently in the dialect of '90s cool.
“The first year of this collection was an instant success,” said Edward Martinez, adidas Senior Manager of Sports Marketing, Soccer. “This year, we worked closely with the clubs to imagine kits that capture the nostalgia and spirit of their franchise and city from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, resulting in a time capsule collection sprinkled with reminders of golden eras.”
So, whether you’re reliving the glory days or discovering them for the first time, the message is clear: the past is back — and it looks better than ever.
CHARLOTTE FC
Rooted in Carolina heritage and reimagined for today, the Charlotte FC Archive kit celebrates Charlotte’s rise as a bold soccer city.
COLORADO RAPIDS
Celebrating 30 years as an MLS original, the Colorado Rapids Archive kit brings back the club’s original colors, noble green and gold, for a new golden age.
COLUMBUS CREW
Celebrating 30 seasons, the Columbus Crew Archive kit honors the club’s legacy with the original crest, retro wordmark, and a new ’96 jocktag.
D.C. UNITED
D.C. United’s Archive Kit is a bold tribute to the dynasty that helped shape the league — a sharp, all-white look with iconic black stripes and gold trim that channels the swagger of ‘96 and the four MLS Cups that followed.
F.C. Dallas
Celebrating 30 seasons as an MLS original, the FC Dallas Archive kit unites two iconic elements from the past: the original club name and the classic black stallion crest.
MINNESOTA UNITED
Drawing inspiration from the state's soccer legacy, the Minnesota United Archive kit nods to the past with Loons script text and a stylized PK.
NASHVILLE SC
A nod to the city’s untamed ’90s spirit, the Nashville SC Archive kit pulls from honky tonks and raw creative energy.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
An unapologetic tribute to the club’s start in the ’90s, the New England Revolution Archive kit revives the team’s original wordmark, bold colors, and front-facing numbers on the pitch.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Channeling the chaos and color of the original Clash, the San Jose Earthquakes Archive kit brings back the bold wordmark, fierce scorpion, and original attitude of the club that kicked things off.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Inspired by the A-League championship teams in the mid-‘90s, the Seattle Sounders FC Archive Kit features vibrant colors and iconic designs that reflect the era, reimagined with a modern interpretation. Alongside the retro-inspired wordmark, the club’s modern-day Orca mark stamps the chest, connecting the past with the present.
Shop the MLS Archive Collection at MLSsoccer.com and adidas.com
