When the U.S. women’s national team lifted the 2019 FIFA World Cup trophy in France, the jersey became a best-seller. It was the new kit that every fan wanted to rep.
But, there was one big problem — hardly any fans could find the jersey in stores or online.
Now, two years later, that problem hasn’t gone away. The Official U.S. Soccer Store, according to multiple fans, has failed to pre-stock enough jerseys ahead of the USWNT’s appearance in the Tokyo Olympics.
As ESPN’s Sarah Spain pointed out, something is definitely still amiss.
“I know it’s not easy, but you give away money, exposure & loyalty every time you fail to deliver. You have to do better,” Spain tweeted.
Real talk…
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) July 22, 2021
If this happens EVERY TIME the @USWNT is playing in a major event then it’s not “unprecedented” or unpredictable. Your model is broken.
I know it’s not easy, but you give away money, exposure & loyalty every time you fail to deliver. You have to do better. pic.twitter.com/WDOu7Kapc9
Others have also taken to social media to express their disappointment in the retailer.
If you’ve ordered a customized jersey from the US Soccer store, you probably have this email in your inbox!
— Gal Pal Sports (@GalPalSports) July 22, 2021
It’s amazing that two years after the “unprecedented demand” of World Cup jerseys, we’re right back here again!! https://t.co/KyfoL3Gun0
The latest USWNT jersey backlog debacle comes at a sensitive time, as 28 current and former players filed their opening brief in an appeal of the decision that favored U.S. Soccer. The judge in the case had previously ruled on the equal-pay lawsuit in May 2020.
USWNT players have been in a position to directly benefit from the sale of player-specific jerseys, which allows fans to buy customizable jerseys with a player’s name on the back.
But in order to do so, jerseys first need to be available for fans to purchase.