Change Over Tradition - Nike x MLB 2020 Jerseys
/Can the slightest change make the most significant difference? The 2020 season marks the first on-field example of Nike's partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) being its official uniform provider. Announced in January, Nike is replacing Majestic as the in-game supplier and today unveiled the home jersey for every MLB team with a nice swoosh on the chest.
While some pure and long-time MLB fans have objected to the change, many do not seem bothered by the new look of the traditional pastime. Many sports leagues have adapted and embraced the idea of placing logos on their uniforms. The NBA has generated more than $150 million with its patch program since its creation in 2017. Sports leagues are finding that they have to adapt to the changes within the market to stay relevant and keep fans attention during live games and as fans watch remotely.
Hal Melhart, Sr. Product Line Manager for Nike Diamond, seems confident in Nike's ability to maintain the purity of the sports. Melhart states, "we're excited to kick off our partnership with Major League Baseball with the unveiling of next season's uniforms... Each franchise has a deeply personal history, with a visual identity that continues in this update. In the future, we look forward to preserving this integrity while still bringing more of Nike's creativity to uniform designs, as we build energy around the game for its players and its fans."
From My Perspective
Nike has always strived to push the button on design and innovation. With its agreement with MLB and Fanatics, I do not doubt that Nike may bring new technology and innovative marketing to the MLB to better engage long-time and new baseball fans, similar to their innovation with the NBA and NikeConnect jerseys. I see a lot of potential for all parties involved, as long as the MLB continues to adapt and change with the market.
Sources: Nike | CBS Sports | Sports Business Journal