Nike reportedly will rectify MLB uniforms after widespread complaints

By Mike Murphy

After an uproar from players and fans alike this spring, Nike Inc. will reportedly fix a number of changes it made to Major League Baseball uniforms.

Nike and its manufacturing partner, Fanatics, unveiled new-look uniforms this year, but they were widely panned for smaller numbers, thinner fabric, mismatched tops and pants colors, and pants that, in some cases, appeared to be see-through. The uniforms were also the subject of mockery after players appeared to sweat right through the fabric.

Citing a memo sent by the MLB Players Association, EPSN's Jeff Passan reported Sunday night that Nike will address the complaints, and modified uniforms will be available by the start of the 2025 season, at the latest.

The Athletic later confirmed the report, noting that the memo is an update to players, not a direct commitment from Nike nor a promise to return to uniforms used in previous seasons.

According to both reports, MLB placed the blame solely on Nike.

"This has been entirely a Nike issue," the memo reportedly said. "At its core, what has happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn't need to be innovated."

Nike did not immediately respond when asked for comment Sunday night.

Nike began a 10-year, $1 billion contract to provide official MLB uniforms in 2019.

Shares of Nike (NKE) have fallen 13% year to date, and are down 26% over the past 12 months, compared to the S&P 500's SPX 7% gain in 2024 and 22% rise over the past year.

-Mike Murphy

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04-28-24 2201ET

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