Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps are paying tribute to the “rich history, culture and contributions of the Black community, both in Vancouver and across Canada” with special Black History Month kits that they’ll wear thorughout February as they gear up for their 2025 MLS regular season.
The Whitecaps unveiled the jersey on their website and social media channels on Saturday, February 1, and wore them for the first time in a preseason friendly against Ukrainian club FC LNZ Cherkasy in Marbella, Spain, the next day. They’ll also wear the kits on Thursday, February 6, for a friendly against Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna and in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Deportivo Saprissa, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, at BC Place in Vancouver.
The jersey — which was designed in collaboration with acclaimed Vancouver artist Anthony Joseph — is predominantly black and follows the latest Adidas club template, with green side panels and red tapered stripes running up each side. The collar is green, save for a black portion at the front, and more green trim sits on the sides of the collar, where it meets up with yellow Adidas shoulder stripes. The Adidas logo on the chest is green, while the logo of sponsor Telus is yellow.
The club crest on the left chest, meanwhile, also features pan-African colours of red, yellow, green and black. The outline of the logo is made up of a Kente pattern, which also features on the numbers of the back of the shirt.
“Black heritage is deeply ingrained in the history of this club, throughout our alumni, staff, fans, partners, and media. This is a time to recognize and celebrate those contributions, and we couldn’t be prouder to work with Anthony to bring this connection to life.”
— Tosaint Ricketts, former Whitecaps player and current liaison of player and club engagement
The jock tag on the lower left of the front of the shirt features a hummingbird in pan-African colours. The hummingbird is the official bird of the City of Vancouver, and is prominent in several Caribbean nations to which Whitecaps players can trace their heritage. Printed on the back collar is the phrase “Black History, Canadian History,” which paraphrases a quote from Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to serve as a Member of Parliament: “Black history is not just for black people. Black history is Canadian history.”
The jerseys were paired with black shorts and socks for Sunday’s match against FC LNZ Cherkasy. The shorts had yellow Adidas stripes down the sides and red tapered stripes that matched up with those on the shirt. The socks were solid black.
Anthony Joseph is known for “his vibrant and thought-provoking work,” according to the Whitecaps, “which includes his nationally recognized Hogan’s Alley mural for the Vancouver Mural Festival. Joseph drew inspiration from both the Black and Vancouver communities which he embedded through the patterns, colours and symbolism.”
“It’s been incredible to work with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on this project. With no restrictions, I could go all in on my jersey designs to create visuals that symbolize unity, pride and a celebration of Black culture. I hope it inspires open dialogue and brings communities together.”
— Anthony Joseph
The first leg of the Whitecaps’ CONCACAF Champions Cup tie with Deportiva Saprissa will take place on Thursday, February 20, at Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Juan, Costa Rica. In between the two legs, the Whitecaps will play their 2025 MLS regular season opener on the road against the Portland Timbers on Sunday, February 23.
The Whitecaps’ home opener is on Sunday, March 2, when they host the defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy at BC Place.