(ANSWERED!) Here’s Why Soccer Jerseys Change Every Year
Soccer jerseys are essential for every player to bring about identity and role on the field. Why do soccer jerseys change every year? We have the answers.
Each year most soccer teams change their jerseys every year mainly to generate income and make profit. The soccer team’s jerseys have become profitable for the jersey manufacturing companies and the soccer clubs. Therefore, each year’s jersey change increases revenue for both parties.
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Overview
If you have been following the soccer sport for a year or more, you should notice that soccer clubs change their jerseys practically every season.
Typically, the teams retain the primary color of the uniforms because they are an integral aspect of the team’s identity. As the year ends, the team management may decide to change the jersey that will be used by the team.
The reason that determines why soccer teams will depend on the objective of the football team. It is worth noting that the modern football team is as well an advanced corporate entity that lays a strong focus on profitability and sustainability.
For example, most major soccer teams that get their sponsorship from companies such as Nike replaces their jerseys and other football kits after 2 years, while others will change in 1 year in the US. Therefore, we will discuss various reasons why soccer teams will replace or add a jersey after a year.
Why do Soccer Jerseys Change every year?
For Revenue Generation
As we had briefly outlined earlier, soccer teams require a change of jersey every year because the previous one is sold to generate income for the team and the manufacturers of the jersey.
The team will need income to meet its expenses because not all team owners can provide financial support.
Typically, major soccer teams will enter into an agreement with manufacturers jersey and other gear manufacturers to split the profit when they sell the jerseys.
The manufacturers often receive a large share of the money from the sales of the jerseys, while the clubs receive a less portion. However, manufacturers pay the clubs millions of dollars annually for the privilege they get to sell the jerseys and their cost because, on average, a jersey can cost about $60.
Additionally, if the jerseys are worn out in a way that manufacturers cannot sell them, the individuals responsible will thoroughly clean them before being given to the charitable groups that win the bid on them.
Additionally, other players can provide the jersey for a fan, trade it with an opponent, or keep it for their collection.
For Branding Purposes
Typically, the majority of soccer clubs rely on sponsors to provide and allocate funds to them. The soccer team will appreciate the sponsors by branding their products on the jerseys or other football kits to create mutual benefits between them.
If the sponsor wants to promote or brand a new product, the sponsored team will have to change their jerseys and get new ones that brand the new product.
Therefore, soccer teams also change their jerseys yearly depending on their sponsor branding a new product. For instance, Atlanta United FC, which plays in major soccer leagues, gets jersey sponsorship from American family insurance (AFI).
The company has provided them with 2 to 3 jerseys in some years, intending to brand their company. Similarly, Herbalife uses the publicity that comes with sponsoring LA Galaxy in order to promote its nutrition products. This relationship has survived for a whopping 15 years.
As a Sense of Motivation
Some teams will also change their jerseys yearly to motivate them when starting a new year or season.
They believe every new season ushers in a fresh outlook, a new mantra, and objectives. New jerseys and other soccer attires bring more energy, zeal, and intensity.
Therefore, any minor or significant modification to the soccer uniforms gives the game and the fans a new motivational perspective.
It’s worth noting that branding requires a fresh perspective once in a while. This is because the consumers tend to get tired of the same old things over and over again.
To avoid Matching with the Opponent Team
There are many soccer teams worldwide, and the likelihood of having the same jerseys or overall playing kits is possible.
Therefore, most teams prefer changing their jerseys or modifying them to resolve uniform matching with opponent teams. The club will either wait for a year to change the jersey or use alternatives that they may have.
For instance, if two soccer teams playing each other have jerseys or uniforms of the same color, one of the sides must wear an alternate jersey throughout the game to avoid confusion while playing.
Typically, the team playing on its home field puts on its primary jersey, while the opposing team uses its alternate jersey.
How many Jerseys does a Team require in a Year?
In certain leagues, such as the premier league, teams must have three jerseys- one for each half of the match and a backup for emergencies.
Although players can opt to wear the same shirt, the kit must supply the proper equipment regardless of their preferences.
A team requires 3 jerseys for a year because there have been times when all possible pairings of the 1st and 2nd jerseys from the opposing teams collide and cannot be separated from one another. Therefore, the team will be required to use the 3rd jersey in this situation.
Key Takeaways
- Typically, most soccer teams change their jerseys every year to generate income
- Sponsors will also require their teams to change the jerseys every season to brand their products
- Other soccer teams change their jerseys to create jerseys to avoid matching with other opposing teams
- If the jersey is worn out and manufacturers cannot sell them, they are washed and given to charitable groups
- Typically, most teams will have 3 jerseys to use in a year