All-New MLS Champions Badge & Stars System Revealed
MLS today announced a new championship designation system, just in time ahead of Saturday's MLS Cup between the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders.
MLS Champions Sleeve Badge
From next season, the defending MLS Cup champion will now don a commemorative silver MLS crest on their jersey sleeve to celebrate and distinguish their achievements in the year following their win.
Currently, all teams, also the reigning champions, are having a MLS badge in the club colors. Other leagues such as the Premier League and Bundesliga had have a special bagde for the defending champions since many years.
Fans will be able to purchase their club jersey with the celebratory silver MLS crest on the sleeve soon after the final whistle of MLS Cup on MLSstore.com. Fans who previously purchased a 2020 MLS club jersey may also have the celebratory patch applied locally and are encouraged to contact the club to learn market-specific details.
New MLS Star System
The defending MLS Cup champion will also receive a silver star above their club crest to signify their championship win. Moving forward, only teams who have won their fifth MLS Cup will receive a gold star above their crest.
The LA Galaxy are currently the only team who will earn that reward as five-time MLS Cup champions, with both Columbus (one MLS Cup win) and Seattle (two MLS Cup wins) still having some way to go, regardless of the result Saturday.
MLS 2016 Stars System
What do you think of MLS introducing a silver MLS champions badge? Do you like the new stars system? Share your thoughts in the comments below.