• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Nike’s Failed Attempt at ‘Innovating’ MLB Uniforms Leads to an About-Face

  • Nike is set to make a series of changes to the MLB uniforms after unrelenting criticism.
  • The issue is arising amid a series of broader problems for the sports footwear and apparel giant.
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

A change is going to come—again—to MLB uniforms, and this time it was all but inevitable. 

The MLB Players Association has informed its membership that a series of modifications will be made to the uniforms, no later than the start of the 2025 season, according to a memo originally obtained by ESPN. Changes will include a return to a larger letter on the backs of jerseys, fixing mismatched jerseys and pants on teams’ gray uniforms, and returning to the prior tailoring options for pants. 

“This has been entirely a Nike issue,” the union’s memo read in part. “At its core, what has happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”

The abrupt about-face follows more than two months of turmoil that had dogged the league since the much-debated introduction of Nike’s Vapor Premier jerseys in spring training, as well as pants with fewer customization options for players. Since that initial rollout, problems have included the see-through nature of the pants, a pooling of sweat on some players’ uniforms during games, names that are more difficult to read, and pants that have more easily ripped after sliding on the base paths. 

“We cautioned Nike against various changes when they previewed them in 2022, particularly regarding pants. MLB had been, and has been, aware of our concerns as well. Unfortunately, until recently, Nike’s position has essentially boiled down to: ‘Nothing to see here. Players will need to adjust,’” the MLBPA wrote.

Over the past 10 weeks, MLB and Nike have repeatedly appealed for patience from both players and the public. But ultimately, the status quo was almost certainly not sustainable, in part as social media outcry continued both on the look and composition of the uniforms. 

“We recognize that, for players, this has taken too long, and was entirely avoidable,” the memo said. 

Industry sources tell Front Office Sports there is not yet a more precise timetable on the implementation of the uniform fixes, as the adjustments must be finalized and then produced at scale. While those steps are taken, several MLB teams are continuing a rollout of long-planned City Connect alternate uniforms, with the Rays becoming the latest to do so Monday. 

Bigger Issues

The placement of blame squarely on Nike for these problems is not surprising, as the company was the one that designed the new uniforms, with Fanatics essentially acting as a subcontractor in the production of the jerseys of pants. But the MLBPA also has a far larger business relationship with Fanatics. 

The union has a minority equity stake in Fanatics, as does the league, and the company was the MLBPA’s second-largest licensee in 2023, paying $44 million. 

The MLB uniform issue is just the latest hit for Nike, with the sports footwear and apparel giant also grappling with a $2 billion cost-cutting program that includes multiple rounds of layoffs, criticism about a separate set of uniforms of the U.S. Olympic team, and a broader malaise across the entire category. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB, NBC Leaders Say Broadcast TV Still Matters in Streaming Era

The network and league tout the forthcoming rights deal.
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Manfred Says New MLB Rights Deal ‘Replicated’ Money From ESPN Opt-Out

Rob Manfred spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.

Pitaro: ESPN, MLB Making Progress on New Deal Talks

The network and league ended their deal earlier this year.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.