The Windy City’s entry in the National Women’s Soccer League is getting the Red out with their new rebrand for 2025.
The team formerly known as the Chicago Red Stars unveiled their new name and crest on Wednesday, October 23. Starting next season, they’ll be known as Chicago Stars FC.
The club’s new primary crest is a much narrower shield than their previous one, and is contoured at the top to evoke “the familiar iconography of the Chicago Theater and Wrigley Field Marquee.” The background is split diagonally between dark blue, representing Chicago “as seen by the sky at night,” and light blue, which is a nod to both Lake Michigan and the Chicago city flag.
Despite the name change, a red six-pointed star — also from the city flag — is front and center on the soccer ball in the crest, whose other shapes are navy blue stars. The bottom of the white “STARS” text arches around the ball. “CHICAGO” is written out at the top of the shield, while “FC” appears at the bottom.
Chicago’s iconic six-point red star remains at the heart of our renewed shield. We prominently wear this ubiquitous symbol of our civic pride as we proudly represent the city we play for across the nation. Our Chicago star symbolizes the character of our city that stems from Chicagoans’ hard work, perseverance, grit, optimism, dedication, diversity and collaboration. Our club strives to honor our city and reflect its character, both on and off the pitch.
The Chicago Star also represents our players – past, current, and future – and that we are a player-centered club that values excellence, accountability, transparency, respect, empathy and joy of the game. This Chicago Star will serve as a guiding light, and as a reminder of the contributions made by our players, the unforgettable moments that inspire us and bring us to the edge of our seats year after year.
— Laura Ricketts, Executive Chairperson, Chicago Stars FC
According to Sports Business Journal, the club worked with agencies Rabe X Birch and Ona Creative to design and launch the new identity.
A wordmark also released on Wednesday isolates the “CHICAGO” and “STARS” text from the crest, and adds a red six-pointed star underneath. An “F” and a “C” appear on either side of the star in a different front than the crest.
Though the change won’t officially take effect until the 2025 NWSL season, the Stars will “celebrate our new era” during their final regular season match of 2024 on Sunday, November 3, at SeatGeek Stadium against the Kansas City Current. They’re also selling merchandise with the new name and crest on their online store. The collection includes hoodies, T-shirts, beanies, sweatshirts, and scarves.
The team currently sits in sixth place in the 2024 NWSL standings, with the top eight teams qualifying for the playoffs. The first playoff round will be held November 8-10, with semifinals following on November 15. The NWSL Championship game will be held on November 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
