For longer than we can remember, sponsors have been a part of professional sports.
In exchange for some exposure on the team’s website, uniform, or social media channels, companies compensate the team with money: it’s a simple transaction.
The San Diego Padres will be the first MLB team to take advantage of a recently announced ad patch program, by adding the logo of a well-known tech resources brand on their sleeve.
“The Padres are adding Moto as their official jersey patch partner starting next season, per @ErikBacharach. San Diego becomes the first team to add a sponsor on its jersey since the MLB announced its ad patch program last month,” B/R Walk-Off tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
The Padres are adding Moto as their official jersey patch partner starting next season, per @ErikBacharach
San Diego becomes the first team to add a sponsor on its jersey since the MLB announced its ad patch program last month.
(via @sbjsbd) pic.twitter.com/LRQDnntvyZ
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) April 19, 2022
During collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations during the lockout, it became evident that MLB teams wanted to explore just about every avenue to make money.
They were adamant to increase benefits and salary to players, and the primary items of discussion were about money.
The Ad Patch Program Is Making Its Debut
Well, the ads and the presence of sponsors on the team jerseys represents another path for them to make money.
The ad patch program was approved in last month’s CBA, so players are giving the green light to wear the uniforms with the sponsors.
In this specific case, the Padres are taking advantage by closing a deal with Motorola, a worldwide leader in cell phones and other electronic devices.
According to the USA Today, “the telecommunications behemoth’s logo will be prominently featured on the right sleeve of the club’s uniforms, beginning with the 2023 season. The new look – and decidedly prominent logo – was modeled by Padres Manny Machado and Blake Snell in a promotional video released Tuesday. Motorola will also become the presenting partner of the franchise’s hall of fame and be featured prominently in ad signage throughout Petco Park.”
Baseball is entering a new era of advertising.
If it’s for the growth of the game, everyone should be on board.
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