Saturday, November 14, 2026
Exclusive
Marketing

Fans Divided on MLB’s New Sponsored Jersey Patches

  • The Padres became the first team to adopt a sponsor on jersey sleeves for the 2023 season.
  • According to a poll conducted by FOS and The Harris Poll, only 39% of U.S. adults support MLB’s decision to allow teams to do it.
San Diego Padres

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Following the announcement that MLB would allow its teams to place a sponsored 4-by-4 patch on jersey sleeves starting in 2023, the Padres shortly became the first team in the league to adopt the program.

According to new polling data, reception to the addition of on-uniform advertising is mixed — though fans of the sport are more likely to be receptive to it.

According to a poll conducted by Front Office Sports and The Harris Poll, 39% of United States adults polled at least somewhat support MLB’s decision to permit advertisers on uniforms. However, 51% who identify as MLB fans support the league’s decision, as opposed to 26% who do not identify as fans.

More specifically, 35% of U.S. adults at least somewhat supported the Padres’ partnership with Motorola, with 45% of MLB fans supporting it and 24% of non-fans not.

It could come down to optics: 56% of U.S. adults (56% of MLB fans, 54% of non-fans) at least somewhat see the ad placements on jerseys as “tacky.”

All this said, those polled at least understand the economics of the situation: 83% at least somewhat agree the sponsorships are a good source of revenue for the teams, and 81% see it as a good source of publicity for the brands.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Exclusive

Dianna Russini Will Seek Credential for Super Bowl Radio Row

Some NFL teams cite her association with BetUS as an issue.

Blue Jays Face Backlash Over Santander’s Anti-Muslim Posts

The MLB club apologized for the hateful rhetoric.
Exclusive

NBA Doubles Down on Kenny Beecham, Enjoy Basketball

Enjoy Basketball previously had a three-episode pilot deal with the league.

Boras Sees Skubal Deal Coming Before Expected MLB Lockout

A potentially historic free agent deal runs up against economic uncertainty.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/13/26 – NFL Ratings Records, Softball Players Unionize, Skubal Deal Looms

0:00

Featured Today

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Brentford - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - October 10, 2026 Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara applauds fans after the match

English Soccer Still Inundated by Gambling Ads Despite Jersey Ban

The ban on front-of-shirt gambling ads looks strict, but it’s largely cosmetic.
West Wind Mahjong
November 11, 2026

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.

Sports World Swoops In on Sam Hartman’s ‘Bachelor’ Season

The Commanders’ practice squad quarterback will star in the show’s 30th season.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
November 5, 2026

Callaway Claims No Sales Hit From Good Good Driver Ad

But the golf-equipment manufacturer did say its consumer rating dipped.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
September 6, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Gets His Own Line of Merchandise

Peter Fan Club says it has notched thousands of orders.
September 2, 2026

Good Good CEO Steps Down Amid Callaway Driver Ad Fallout

Matt Kendrick says he didn’t see the ad before it was published.
August 28, 2026

Why Is Nike Suddenly Part of Sorority Rush Season?

They’re “campus athletes.”
August 27, 2026

Good Good Golf Founder Apologizes, Says He Hopes People ‘Move On’ 

Clark was shown shoving fellow Good Good creator Alexis Miestowski.