• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 2, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

MLB, Nike to Revamp Uniforms After Backlash: Here’s What’s Changing

  • MLB details a series of planned changes to uniforms after months of criticism.
  • The league announcement closely follows a union memo to players indicating the forthcoming shifts.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The much-anticipated changes to MLB’s highly debated new uniforms are officially coming. 

Just days after the MLB Players Association informed its membership that a series of modifications would be arriving, the league announced that it, along with official uniform supplier Nike, has indeed started the process to make a series of changes. Among them:

  • Larger letters on the back of jerseys and individual pant customization, both set to be implemented for the 2025 season
  • Correction of color differences between the jerseys and pants of some clubs’ gray road uniforms, with that change due to arrive as soon as the second half of this season
  • A fix to the uniform discoloration that also can result from player perspiration (above), with that change also slated for as soon as the latter half of the season

The shifts follow 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. 

MLB said the changes were made following “conversations with players, clubs, and their equipment managers.”

“Player and club feedback is extremely important to us,” said league commissioner Rob Manfred. “Together with Nike, we listened to our players, and as a result, we are addressing their concerns. We continue to work with Nike to make adjustments with the goal of delivering a uniform that looks good and helps MLB players perform at their best.”

Fanatics, essentially acting as a subcontractor in the production of the jerseys and pants to Nike’s design specifications, was not mentioned in MLB’s announcement. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brooks Running posted positive numbers in Q1 of 2023.

Brooks Running Is Having Its Best Year Ever as Category Has ‘Never..

Brooks opened its first store in Shanghai as it pushes into China.

Cubs Agree to Alter Wrigley As Part of DOJ Settlement

The second-oldest MLB ballpark will have to make upgrades again.

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First-Ever 12-Team CFP Takes Shape

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
FuboTV signage
opinion
October 26, 2024

Fubo’s Fight Against Streaming Giants Feels Futile

Fubo notched a legal win, but subs and stock still slump.

Everyone Wants In on the WNBA Expansion Gold Rush

There are 10 to 12 cities interested in a WNBA expansion team.
Oct 31, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in game four to win the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
October 31, 2024

Dodgers Winning Formula Blends Underdog Spirit With Big Dollars

Team officials point to an “opportunistic” mindset as it overcame numerous injuries and setbacks.
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) works around New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center.
October 31, 2024

Unrivaled Expands While Keeping Seat Warm for Caitlin Clark

The women’s basketball league is adding six roster spots to bring the total to 36.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts to scoring a touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
October 31, 2024

Here’s Every NFL Team Linked to Private Equity Investments

The NFL gave the O.K. in August for PE firms to buy up to 10% of a franchise.
October 30, 2024

Money Well Spent: Dodgers Top Yankees in World Series

The financially robust MLB club wins its first full-season league championship since 1988.
Nick Dunlap of Tuscaloosa, Ala., tees off on the 18th during the third round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
October 30, 2024

PGA Tour Could Get More Exclusive Under Proposed Rule Changes

This is the latest move to consolidate more prize money and rankings points.
October 30, 2024

Yankees Stay Alive, but N.Y. Ticket Prices One-Third of L.A. Rates

Prices remain way down for the final World Series game at Yankee Stadium.