- Nike has signed a ten-year kit supplier agreement worth $1 billion with MLB.
- Fanatics Made Uniforms
- MLBPA hopes changes can be made before the start of the 2024 season
Nike said it will continue to work with Major League Baseball (MLB) to address concerns about players’ uniforms, following complaints from athletes and fans.
The American sportswear giant ten year contract supplying kits for all MLB teams is worth $1 billion and has been in effect since 2020. The deal is part of a three-way partnership that includes digital sports platform Fanatics, which has product licensing rights from consumption to manufacture and distribute all kits. Nike MLB retail products.
Nike stepped in after Under Armor pulled out of a 2016 deal to replace Majestic as MLB’s on-field supplier.
However, ahead of the 2024 season, the new batch of jerseys drew criticism from fans for their cheap appearance, flimsiness and unattractive design. The lighter fabric makes it difficult to put larger numbers and letters on the back, and the fit has also been questioned. The eggshell-colored pants also sparked concerns about their transparency.
One Baltimore Orioles player even compared the new jerseys to “a counterfeit” from discount department store chain TJ Maxx, adding to broader concerns about supply chain issues.
“It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where uniforms are a talking point,” said Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). “Every conversation with the guys gives more insight into what we’re seeing.”
He continued: “Much of the speech confirms that pants are see-through. It’s been an ongoing conversation in which every day has birthed something new that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as you’d like.
In response, a MLB the spokesperson said that adjustments are made to the size of the jersey, the waist, the inside seams, the cut of the thighs and the bottom of the pants.
Regarding the supply of uniforms, the league said it is in “close contact” with clubs and uniform partners to ensure teams “have what they need for opening day.” The 2024 MLB season begins on the 20thth March.
Nike said in a statement that “we always put the athlete at the center of everything we do.” We worked closely with MLB players, teams and the league to create the most advanced uniforms in MLB history that were lighter and more flexible.
“The quality and performance of our product is of the utmost importance to us. We will continue to work with MLB, players and our manufacturing partner to improve player uniforms.
SportsPro approached Fanatics for comment.
