MLB to allow advertising on jerseys and helmets amid new CBA; fans aren't ecstatic
As part of the new CBA, the MLB now allows advertising on players’ uniforms and fans aren't exactly happy. The NFL is now the only league without jersey ads
After 99 days of no baseball, and no deals on a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the MLB and the MLBPA, the Baseball lockout is finally over, and the MLB is back in full action.
One of the new arrangements that come with the new CBA is the change we’ll be seeing in team jerseys.
MLB to implement jersey advertisements
For the first time in MLB history, advertisements will be featured on players’ jerseys, as well as on helmets, in the forms of patches.
Other changes include adopting a universal designated hitter, banning shifts in the infield, implementing a pitch clock, a 12-team postseason, with the top two winners of their division earning first round playoff byes. And the cherry on top, the league will make the size of the bases larger in 2023. More on that here.
Baseball fans have had quite the reaction to these changes, mocking almost everything they possibly could. Here’s a quick preview:
And while the MLB world might have not been ready for this specific change, the NBA has proved successful in implementing jersey advertising most recently, according to NBA president of team marketing and business operations Amy Brooks.
"We've seen tremendous growth from this asset [in terms of both] revenue and the caliber of brands, both domestic and global, that are partnering with our teams," said Brooks. The jersey patch program generated a combined value of $225 million for the 2021-22 season, doubling the league's original estimates.
The NFL is now the only major league sport with no jersey advertisements.
When does the 2022-23 MLB season start?
The 2022-23 MLB season is set to take off April 7, only a week later than originally planned. As spring training kicks off on March 13, free agency already began Thursday night.