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9 USL Championship Kit Launches that Blew Our Minds in 2022

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/17/22, 6:12PM EDT

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Kit Culture. You’ve either got it, or you don’t 

The USL Championship is home to brilliant, innovative designs giving the league and its clubs as unique a flavor as can be found anywhere in the world. And as much as we love the kits around the the league this year, what’s as important is how you roll those babies out. 

Part hype reels, part cinematic epics, here are nine launch videos that took the kit game to a new level this preseason, celebrating the cities and cultures that make our clubs special. 

Louisville City FC – City Tour

You’ve got to love a reel that brings the club’s fans to the foreground. From the crew at the distilleries that make Kentucky famous to the supporters at work and at play in Louisville, the two-time title winners hit this out of the park with a custom-made Louisville Slugger.

New Mexico United – La Cultura Kit

Sure, New Mexico United’s other launch – staged at Meow Wolf for the Artist Jersey – was dope, but the narration by Mercedez Holtry on the 90-second launch of the La Culture Kit is moving, motivating and brilliantly shot, taking you across the Land of Enchantment. If you’re not ready for 90 minutes at The Lab after this, check your pulse.

El Paso Locomotive FC – On the Tracks

There’s a scene in the final season of The Venture Brothers that sees Red Death indulging in his final act of villainy before joining the Council of 13, tying a rival to the train tracks as a good Gentleman Villian would in the old days. There are echoes of that brilliant scene here, with the sound of the arriving locomotive echoing in the background. You hear the bell at the crossroad, the train’s horn announcing its arrival? Better hope you’re not in the way when it arrives.

Oakland Roots SC – Oakland First, Always

Oakland Roots’ story is about where it comes from, and what it represents, and that’s captured brilliantly in this reel to tee up its second season in the Championship. From the custom Roots BMW motorbike blowing smoke to the shots among the California Redwoods, even if you’ve never been to Laney Stadium, you know what’s up. 

Miami FC – I Am Miami FC

The details on Miami FC’s 2022 kits – embossing the neighborhoods that make up the city into the jerseys – are spectacular, and so is the way they’re recreated and spotlighted throughout the launch video. Add celebrity cameos – hi there, DJ Citizen Jane – and the people that make Miami unique, and you’ve got a spectacular end-product.

Charleston Battery – Volvo Factory

Charleston’s partnership with Volvo USA as its new front-of-jersey sponsor opened the door for this, with the club’s players getting to also show off some of the destination spots in one of America’s most beautiful cities. Heading out from the factory floor to the roof of The Dewberry and elsewhere around town, the Battery delivered a classic launch to go with a classic kit.

FC Tulsa – City & State

You’re left with no doubt as to who FC Tulsa’s kit partner is here – also league apparel provider PUMA – but the effects featuring a stalking big cat and superimposed videos on the club’s white City jersey make this spot come to life. With the talent that will be on the prowl this season at ONEOK Field, there’s an apt parallel to the club’s on-field product as well. 

Phoenix Rising FC – Red & Black

After accumulating more regular-season victories than any other club for the past five years, apparently what has been ailing Phoenix Rising FC’s pursuit of a USL Championship title was the white kits the club had been including in its on-field gear each season. Rising FC’s ability to poke fun at that idea – and the “Turn Off White Kits” button – make this shine.

San Diego Loyal SC – Always Loyal

Some clubs were cinematic in their approach to kit launches this season. None of them actually went out and got Doc Brown’s DeLorean from Back to the Future, though, did they? SD Loyal did, allowing Elijah Martin to channel his inner Marty McFly in an epic that spotlights America’s Finest City in all its glory. Kudos, too, for giving us a look at the shot chart for some bonus content.

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