Advertising Patches Coming to MLB Uniforms
Out of all the words and phrases used to describe the game of professional baseball, tradition might just be one of the heavy hitters.
Baseball has been a sport enriched in tradition, from the unwritten rules to the very uniforms worn by those who play the game. The uniforms themselves have often been a symbol of tradition and purity — aspects the game has long been associated with.
In an ever-changing world full of technology, analytics, bat flips and more, even the most traditional of sports has gone through some changes. However, one thing that has stood the test of time has been the uniforms. From the bright whites of the home team to the traditional pinstripes dawned by some of the greatest teams in the sport, one thing the old traditionalists in baseball can always count on to stay put is the uniforms. Until now.
Change Is on the Horizon
In a recent report put out by Tery Lefton of the Sports Business Journal Reports, advertising on uniforms is coming to break the mold. After witnessing the tremendous financial benefits advertising patches had on the uniforms for the NBA last season, a lot of heads have been turned within Major League Baseball. According to several reports, NBA teams have already seen an average of $7 million in additional advertising revenue per year as a result of the patches. What strikes excitement within the MLB is that the potential numbers for MLB teams could be right on par, if not more, in terms of additional revenue.
As far as the actual implementation of advertising patches within Major League Baseball, things won’t pick up until at least the end of the CBA on December 1, 2021.
The Benefits Are Real
In many ways, this development isn’t all that shocking. MLB has set revenue records year after year, including hauling in over $10.3 billion in 2018. The fact that for over 16 straight years the sport has bested its previous record means that the MLB is always on the lookout for ways to grow its revenue stream. That is especially prevalent with attendance suffering a significant decline. Whether it be to make up ground there or just simply add more revenue, the prevailing thought is that advertising on uniforms is now more of a matter of when, not if. MLB executive vice president of business and sales Noah Garden has said, “We’re examining the patch but clearly have things to work through first. I’d say it’s inevitable down the road, but certainly not immediate.”
The benefits could also creep into other areas of the game, including player salaries, which have declined in average since the peak 2017 season ($4.45 million average salaries). Again, it will be at least three years until things come to fruition, but coming soon, the tradition of untouched uniforms will also go by the wayside.
Main Photo
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