Friday, October 16, 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

Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.

Small-Market Brewers Clinch First NL Pennant

Milwaukee is advancing to its first World Series since 1982.
Exclusive

SportsGrid Up for Sale Amid Revenue Slide

Bankers have been pitching suitors since this summer.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Gets His Own Line of Merchandise

Peter Fan Club says it has notched thousands of orders.
August 28, 2026

Why Is Nike Suddenly Part of Sorority Rush Season?

They’re “campus athletes.”
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.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
August 27, 2026

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

Clark was shown shoving fellow Good Good creator Alexis Miestowski.
August 23, 2026

US Open ‘Almost Doubling’ Credentials for Content Creators

Nearly 100 creators will be credentialed at this year’s US Open.
August 23, 2026

Good Good Golf Pulls Ad, Apologizes Following Backlash

Callaway, Good Good’s equipment partner, said it was “disappointed by the content.”
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”