Few things are better in the summer than a New York City block party.
On Thursday, Puma and Manchester City — as part of the soccer team’s pre-season tour of the United States — took over 49th Street and Fifth Avenue, the home of the brand’s flagship store. The event was created as a celebration for the launch of Manchester City’s new Third kit for the 2024-25 season.
The event — which took place on a custom-built basketball court — was a collaboration between Puma Football, Manchester City and Puma Hoops, marrying the worlds of soccer and basketball. Joining Manchester City stars Jack Grealish, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb were basketball luminaries God Shammgod, Chris Brickley, two-time 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung and hall of famer Walt “Clyde” Frazier. (Most of the athletes in either sport wore Puma All-Pro Nitro basketball shoes.)
The kit is executed in a burgundy hue with metallic gold hits throughout, which Puma stated “represents constant movement, on and off the pitch, encapsulating the spirit of a club that’s always evolving and pushing forward.” What’s more, the brand explained the ship from the Manchester City crest is “transformed into an all-over tonal graphic representing the past, present and future of a club that’s never not moving.”
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The new Third kit will be available in authentic and replica versions. The authentic jersey is made with the brand’s Ultraweave fabric, used to both reduce weight and friction, and the replica jerseys are made with Puma’s the Re:Fibre initiative, which it explained uses recycled textile waste to create new materials without compromising quality. Puma also stated both incorporate its DryCell sweat-wicking technology.
“The 24/25 Third kit is a tribute to Manchester City’s enduring spirit and forward momentum. Our goal was to create a jersey that captures the essence of a club that’s always moving forward, both on and off the pitch,” Marco Mueller, Puma senior head of product line management for Teamsport Apparel, said in a statement. “This stunning kit embodies the relentless drive and ambition that defines Manchester City and its supporters. We’re proud to support City’s journey with a kit that combines innovative design with sustainable practices.”
The Manchester City Third kit is available via Puma.com, Mancity.com/shop, at Puma stores and select retailers. The authentic jersey retails for $140 and the replica comes with a $95 price tag.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
