Manfred Excited About UA's Marketing Ability When They Take Over On-Field Jerseys

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said one of the "big reasons" the league chose Under Armour as its jersey provider is the success the company has had "in terms of marketing their athletes." UA will provide on-field apparel beginning in '19, and Manfred today on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike" said, "We have not had the kind of association between a consumer brand and our athletes that I think can maximize their marketing potential. I have every confidence that Under Armour’s going to fill that void.” UA's current MLB endorsers include Nationals RF Bryce Harper, Dodgers P Clayton Kershaw, Yankees RF Aaron Judge and Giants C Buster Posey, among others. Manfred said there was a "lot of interest in brands that ... wanted to be connected with our players" when the league went to market with its jersey deal ("Mike & Mike," ESPN Radio, 7/13).