London, UK - Arsenal, in collaboration with their long-term partner Adidas, have officially unveiled their home kit for the 2023/24 season. The kit pays homage to the legendary "Invincibles" season of 2003/04 on its 20th anniversary, featuring gold detailing on the crest, Adidas logo, and stripes down each sleeve. The highly anticipated release follows a series of leaks and early releases that added to the excitement surrounding the new kit.
Kit Design and Inspiration
The new kit draws on the spirit of The Invincibles team of 2003/04, marking the beginning of the 20th anniversary of Arsenal's unbeaten Premier League season. The crest and Adidas’ logo and three stripes down each sleeve feature in gold, and Arsenal's record of 26 wins and 12 draws over 38 games in that historic season is stitched into the side of the authentic version of the kit.
The design carries forward a vibrant red base, offset with a white sleeve and a lightning bolt pattern, flowing vertically from top to bottom. The Adidas logo itself no longer has the wordmark and has just the iconic three stripes, a design similar to the strips used in the Qatar World Cup last year.
Leaked Presentation
Prior to the official announcement, the kit's design was leaked on social media, with images of Arsenal Women's players Gio Queiroz and Beth Meal donning the new kit being shared online. Even retail stores abroad were reportedly selling the kit before the official unveiling. The official promotion video for the shirt was also leaked via Adidas Brazil's website.
Kit Launch Presentation
The kit was presented with a promotional video that included Arsenal players Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Jesus, Kim Little and Stina Blackstenius. A still image also showcased the accompanying white shorts and socks.
Bukayo Saka, having recently committed his future with the club, joined over 300 supporters and staff members at Emirates Stadium for the kit reveal. In his statement, Saka emphasized the unity of the club and its supporters, stating "we’re stronger when we’re moving forward, together".
First Match Debut
The new kit will be worn for the first time on the pitch in the final WSL game of the season, when Arsenal Women face Aston Villa on Saturday, May 27. The men's team will also sport the new kit in their final Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, May 28.
Arsenal legend, Ray Parlour, expressed his excitement about the new kit, reminiscing about his time as part of the Invincibles: “Playing in that season twenty years ago, surrounded by so many wonderful players is something I will never forget, and it is great to see we are celebrating our club history by bringing out this new home shirt – something I think all the supporters will truly love".
Availability and Purchase
Fans can purchase the new kit from Adidas and the official Arsenal store, as well as selected Adidas retail stores and Arsenal Direct.
Long-term Partnership with Adidas
This new kit marks the fifth year of Adidas manufacturing Arsenal's kit and training wear, following a partnership that originally began in 1986 and ended eight years later. In October 2022, Arsenal announced that their deal with Adidas, which began in 2019, had been extended until 2030.
This agreement replaces the club's previous kit deal, which was set to last until 2024, adding an extra six years to the contract. The new deal is reportedly worth an extra £15m per year, increasing Arsenal's annual income from £60m to £75m, along with a significant upfront bonus. Additionally, the club will receive royalties from shirt sales and potential bonuses for winning the Champions League, Premier League, or FA Cup.
Marketing expert Lukasz Baczek has stated that this deal is the most valuable partnership in the Premier League. The extension came as a surprise since the old deal still had two years left, but it appears that Adidas made an enticing offer to convince Arsenal to commit for the long term. The base income for the club is guaranteed, with the possibility of earning more through winning major competitions.
Adidas and Arsenal reunited in 2019 after a 25-year hiatus, and the collaboration has been successful so far.