MLB Considering Sponsored Patches

NEW YORK-According to SportsPro Media, Major League Baseball (MLB) is looking to allow sponsored patches on team uniforms within the next three years.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) allows jersey branding, which brings in an average of $7 million a year per team. This success has reportedly created some interest for franchises of the MLB. The Sports Business Journal (SBJ) confirms that MLB franchises approached Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment regarding the potential new inventory. The Excel sports agency, which had a hand in a couple of NBA patch ventures, also told SBJ it was in contact with interested MLB teams regarding ad patches.

Noah Garden, MLB executive vice president of business and sales, told SBJ that the organization is looking into the venture, but it still has a lot to figure out.

He added, “I’d say it’s inevitable down the road, but certainly not immediate. This is something that requires a fairly long runway. There are lots of things to take into consideration, but I think we will get there.”

According to Van Wagner, deals could be worth between $6 million and $8 million, with high-profile franchises securing more.

Patch sponsorships would require the approval of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) as part of the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Currently, MLB’s uniform deal with Nike includes terms for uniform patches.