• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

MLB Lightly Blames Nike for Uniform Debacle

  • The league told ‘The Athletic’ that Fanatics followed Nike’s orders—and Nike still has work to do.
  • Players’ pants fabric did not change this year, but the tops come from a different vendor, accounting for color differences.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Nike has yet another impressive innovation in the uniform space: a new euphemism for sweat stains.

As MLB players and fans continue to pan this season’s new baseball uniforms, a spokesperson for Nike, which designed the attire, told The Athletic in a statement that the company was looking to “lessen the moisture-related aesthetic color differences.”

MLB, meanwhile, is finally pointing a gentle finger in the fiasco, and it’s not at Fanatics, which handles the production of the new uniforms. In the same Athletic story, the league praised Fanatics for doing everything Nike told it to do and pointed out that Nike is responsible for the smaller size of jersey nameplates and for any issues with jersey fabric, which has drawn attention for its transparency.

“As part of this significant transition, Nike will continue to explore necessary adjustments to certain elements of the new uniforms to meet the needs of MLB clubs and players,” MLB said in a statement to The Athletic.

At the same time, the league nodded to “design improvements” in the new uniforms.

Thursday’s story from The Athletic uncovered several other details about the debacle. For one, three sources told the outlet that the fabric for the pants isn’t any different this year, which raises questions as to why the see-through white pants have drawn such attention. The story also points out that Fanatics produces its uniforms at the same facility used by the league’s previous manufacturer, Majestic, which Fanatics acquired in 2017, and that this year’s jersey and pants fabrics come from two different vendors, accounting for a much-criticized two-tone look.

An MLB Players Association spokesperson addressed the issue Tuesday, saying, “We’ve engaged with all parties and continue to work alongside Fanatics to try and find solutions. It’s disappointing, however, that uniforms remain a topic of discussion among players and fans with the season underway.”

Nike, Fanatics, and MLB have not responded to Front Office Sports’ requests for comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman (55) is safe at third base after the play is reviewed against Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) in the twelfth inning during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

18-Inning World Series Game 3 Draws 17.6M Viewers in U.S. and Canada

Canadian viewership of the World Series remains solid despite an 18-inning Game 3.
Terry Rozier

NBA Union Says It Will Fight Decision to Withhold Rozier’s Pay

Rozier has one year and $26.3 million left on his contract.

Mavericks Accuse Stars of Holding Dallas Arena ‘Hostage’ in Lawsuit

The NBA team seized control of a joint company operating the American Airlines Center.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.

WNBA Proposes 30-Day Extension on CBA Negotiations

The CBA expires Oct. 31; a deal is not expected by then.
Napheesa Collier
October 28, 2025

WNBA, Players Remain Far Apart With CBA Deadline Days Away 

A union lawyer says a deal will not be reached by Friday.
Oct 24, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.
October 28, 2025

Lionel Messi: MLS Can’t Grow Without More Spending Power

The Inter Miami star recently signed a contract extension through 2028.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Alexis Ohanian
October 28, 2025

Alexis Ohanian: Angel City Ownership Setup Was a ‘Terrible Idea’

He admits that the NWSL club’s governance was a disaster.
October 28, 2025

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic World Series Game 3 Sets Up High-Stakes Game 4

Ohtani will start Game 4 on the mound after another epic performance Monday.
Oct 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The 2025 World Series logo on the field at Dodger Stadium.
October 27, 2025

Dodger Stadium Games Could Push MLB Payouts to Record Highs

The Dodgers’ big ballpark and ticket prices help fuel postseason player pay.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre.
October 27, 2025

World Series Games Set Ratings Records on Canada’s Sportsnet

Canada continues to watch MLB broadcasts at historic levels.