Nike Fixes Dodgers Jerseys for 2026 MLB Season

Iconic script logo and fabric upgrades address fan and player complaints.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After backlash over the Dodgers' controversial jersey design in recent seasons, Nike has made changes to the team's iconic uniforms ahead of the 2026 MLB season. The font is now larger, the spacing is cleaner, and the lowercase 'd' no longer awkwardly straddles the jersey opening. The material has also been upgraded to be thicker, more durable, and less transparent, addressing player complaints about the thin fabric.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' uniform is one of the most recognizable in baseball, and fans take great pride in the classic script logo. The changes made by Nike aim to restore the traditional look and feel of the Dodgers' iconic jerseys, which had drawn criticism in recent seasons.

The details

When Nike rolled out its Vapor Premier template across Major League Baseball in 2024, the backlash was swift. Players around the league grumbled about thinner fabric, awkward fits, and pants that felt better suited for a beach volleyball tournament than a pennant race. For the Dodgers, fans noticed instantly that the script logo was off, with the second 'd' in 'Dodgers' sliced in half by the jersey placket. For 2026, Nike has addressed these issues, restoring the classic script logo, enlarging the font, and upgrading the fabric to be thicker, more durable, and less transparent.

  • The Dodgers will open their 2026 campaign on March 26 at Dodger Stadium against the Diamondbacks.
  • The Dodgers will play their first Cactus League game on Saturday at Tempe Diablo Stadium against the Angels.

The players

Nike

The athletic apparel company that designs and manufactures the uniforms for Major League Baseball teams.

Michael Rubin

The CEO of Fanatics, the company that executes the production and distribution of MLB uniforms.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fingers were pointed at MLB and Fanatics. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin insisted his company merely followed Nike's blueprint. Nike designed it. MLB approved it. Fanatics executed it.”

— Michael Rubin, CEO, Fanatics (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Dodgers will debut their updated uniforms when they open the 2026 MLB season at Dodger Stadium on March 26 against the Diamondbacks.

The takeaway

The changes made by Nike to the Dodgers' uniforms for the 2026 season aim to restore the classic look and feel that fans have come to expect, addressing issues with the design and fabric that had drawn criticism in recent years. This demonstrates Nike's responsiveness to fan and player feedback, as well as the importance of preserving the iconic branding and tradition of one of baseball's most recognizable franchises.