Nike Becomes Presenting Sponsor Of MLB’s RBI Program

Nike, Inc. announced a partnership with Major League Baseball as the presenting sponsor of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program, the MLB’s youth initiative to provide baseball and softball playing opportunities for kids living in areas that are underserved. The agreement aligns with Nike’s existing global partnership as the MLB’s official uniform and performance footwear supplier.

The program, dubbed Nike RBI, includes all RBI properties, including the Nike RBI Regionals and the Nike RBI World Series.

“Nike’s support of our RBI program is a literal game-changing opportunity for young athletes all over the world,” said Tony Reagins, chief baseball development officer of the MLB. “Nike’s influence in sport brings the program to another level in the eyes of our leagues, players and families. We look forward to partnering to provide more access to baseball and softball while amplifying the voices of student-athletes to grow our sport.”

Nike and the MLB will collaborate on a new content series, Nike RBI Spotlight, which will regularly highlight RBI leagues on various broadcast, digital and social platforms, including MLB Network, MLB.com and MLB’s social media channels.

Nike RBI Spotlight will include programs run and/or be supported by MLB Clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, local municipal organizations, and independently-operated groups.

Nike and the MLB will identify Nike athletes to become Nike RBI Ambassadors, supporting the awareness and promotion of the program.

The Nike RBI Regionals in July will amplify across Nike and MLB platforms in the lead-up to the Nike RBI World Series at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, FL, held from July 31 through August 12.

The Nike RBI program has served approximately two million kinds since it was established, with many RBI alums having played in MLB, including Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds), Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Dominic Smith (Washington Nationals). Major League Baseball administers the program.

Nike RBI supports kids in over 200 programs in approximately 200 cities worldwide. MLB and its affiliate clubs designated more than $40 million in resources to the Nike RBI program, and all 30 clubs support Nike RBI leagues.