Today, several preeminent sports properties, including MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC and WWE, announced a partnership with global sports platform, Fanatics, the White House, and America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration and celebration, for a series of limited and special edition athlete uniform and fan apparel collections.
Leaders from many of the participating sports brands were invited by President Donald J. Trump to announce and celebrate the initiative during a gathering at the Oval Office in the White House on January 27th, however the event was postponed due to Winter Storm Fern.
An exclusive USA 250® patch and logo will be featured on athlete uniforms and performance gear or in the venues where they compete during marquee moments throughout the year, including Super Bowl LX, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Final, all July 4 MLB games, Minor League Baseball games on July 4, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard in Philadelphia, WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, the UFC special event at the White House in June, MLS Opening Weekend, and select Zuffa Boxing matches throughout the year.
Fanatics and America250 will also make available a limited assortment of championship fan apparel and headwear featuring the USA 250 patch alongside select team and league logos.
“Major League Baseball is proud to join our country’s top sports properties in partnering with Fanatics and America250 to celebrate this special national milestone in such a significant and united way,” said Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “This collaboration is an important addition to MLB’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday this season, which includes the dedication of 250,000 volunteer hours across baseball. This exciting initiative has the opportunity to use the collective popularity of these properties to do what sports does best – bring people together.”
“Major League Soccer is proud to support the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “This historic milestone reflects the enduring ideals that define our nation and the power of sport to unite us, especially as the United States welcomes the world this summer for the World Cup.”
“For nearly 80 years, NASCAR has defined the best of the American spirit through our pursuit of speed, precision, and excellence in competition,” said Steve O’Donnell, President, NASCAR. “We’re honored to join America’s 250th celebration, along with many other annual military appreciation initiatives throughout our season, highlighted by NASCAR San Diego, our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado, on June 19-21.”
“We are proud to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “It is an honor to join other leagues and organizations across the sports industry in commemorating this important milestone.”
“The NFL is honored to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on a global stage at Super Bowl LX,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “These special patches symbolize a country and a game built on the shared values of hard work, sacrifice and innovation. We are proud to be a part of the American story.”
“Over the last century, the NHL has been woven into the fabric of the United States providing Americans with some of the most defining and thrilling moments in the country’s sports history. Our US-based teams are thrilled to join in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding,” said Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner.
“America’s 250th birthday is a historic milestone, and we’re honored to be part of it. UFC is proud to celebrate what this country stands for as we prepare for the biggest event our organization has ever held, June 14 at the White House,” said Dana White, UFC President and CEO.
“America250 and Fanatics have put together a phenomenal plan to pay tribute to this year’s historic anniversary and WWE is honored to play a role in these efforts,” said WWE President Nick Khan.
“Sports have always played an important role in America’s rich history, uniting communities and shaping culture. At Fanatics, we were passionate about finding a meaningful way to honor this incredible milestone with our partners and sports fans,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “We’re honored to help bring commemorative USA 250 patches and fan apparel to life across many of the biggest sports moments this year.”
Fanatics has also launched a limited run t-shirt, hoodie, quarter-zip and jacket featuring the USA 250® trademark, available now at Fanatics.com. A second assortment will be available to fans attending Fanatics Fest in New York City in July.
