RED Stars fans have expressed their disapproval online of their team’s new badge and name ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.
Chicago Red Stars were formed in 2006 and have been members of the National Women’s Soccer League since 2013.
The team’s colours of light blue and white, and its nickname, are a nod towards the flag of Chicago.
However, this week the club announced that it will be dropping the ‘Red’ from its name, and will be changing its badge design.
And their fans didn’t like it.
Ironically, this comes only a week after BOS Nation FC’s controversial branding campaign and name announcement.
The (Red) Stars Executive Chairperson, Laura Ricketts, said in a public letter titled ‘Dear Chicago’: “Our renewed brand reflects dedication to our loyal fans whose stalwart support humbles us, fuels us and inspires us to be a team that Chicagoans throughout all of our city’s neighbourhoods can be proud of: their Chicago Stars FC.”
“Thank you for the continued support for your Chicago Stars,” she continued.
The “continued support” that Ricketts speaks of might not apply to this situation, see below:
Come 2025, when pre-season adverts and kit unveilings hit the internet, will the Chicago board see a drop in attendances and fan purchases?
Will ‘Let’s go Red Stars’ never be chanted again?
We’ll have to see.