MLB, Under Armour announce 10-year uniform partnership
Major League Baseball will become the first professional sports league to wear Under Armour uniforms.
The two sides announced a 10-year partnership beginning in 2020, making UA the exclusive jersey provider of MLB.
"Under Armour is proud of our long-standing relationship with MLB, and we look forward to this exciting next chapter," Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank said in the announcement, according to the Baltimore Sun's Lorraine Mirabella. "Under Armour's goal is to engage and excite MLB's incredibly diverse fan base across America and around the world, and grow the game for the next generation of great athletes."
MLB's previous contract with Majestic, who's been the official supplier since 2005, will end in 2019.
It's expected that the Nike dry-fit undershirts worn by most MLB players will also be done with, as Under Armour has the means to deck players out with gear from head to toe.
A company that started out as just a supplier for under garments, UA now produces jerseys, undershirts, cleats, socks, hats, batting gloves, and more.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the deal is essential to maintaining the strong ties UA has to baseball's younger audience.
"We are excited to build on our partnership with Under Armour, a powerful global brand that continues to grow exponentially," Manfred said in the announcement.
Between the majors and minors, more than 400 players have endorsement deals with UA, including Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, and Buster Posey.