The Seattle Mariners are stitching a new chapter in their partnership with video game giant Nintendo, as they announced a deal that will place the gaming company's logo on the team's jerseys. Starting next week, Mariners jerseys will bear the Nintendo logo on their sleeves, marking a significant step in sports-fashion collaborations.
The Mariners' front office confirmed the partnership with Nintendo of America Inc., headquartered in Redmond, Wash., which has been one of the team's stewards since the early '90s. This move brings the two Northwest icons closer, and soon fans will see the Nintendo emblem alongside Mariners pinstripes in all regular and postseason games. As Fox 13 Seattle reported, this is the team's first official jersey sleeve partnership – an addition that will make every pitch, and swing a little more pixelated.
It's not just about the logo; the Mariners are also switching things up with different designs for home and away games. At home, fans will see the Nintendo racetrack logo, while the away jerseys will feature the Nintendo Switch 2 emblem. These details, obtained by Sports Business Journal, indicate the detailed attention both entities are giving to their branding strategy. With this deal, the Mariners become the first team in Major League Baseball to feature distinct logos for different venues.
Adding a dash of celebrity to the mix, All-Star centerfielder Julio Rodriguez is set to serve as a brand ambassador for the collaboration – and fans are already playing along with references to iconic Nintendo characters on social media. "It's a me Julio," quipped one Reddit user, in homage to Mario's catchphrase. Kevin Martinez, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations, underscored the significance of this partnership, “Nintendo and the Mariners have been inextricably linked since 1992,” he said, as quoted by GeekWire. “Now each time the Mariners take the field, our jersey sleeves will help serve as a reminder of all that Nintendo of America has done for the Northwest community, and the team.”
The partnership renewal with Nintendo is a natural evolution of the team's branding efforts, aimed at tapping into the nostalgia and regional pride of Mariners fans. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the visibility and engagement it promises are likely to be a home run for the franchise. The Mariners and Nintendo are hoping this collaboration is a power-up for both brands in 2025 and beyond.
