In a landmark corporate move, Dodger Stadium has unveiled its first-ever field sponsorship agreement with Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo, marking a historic moment for the third-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The announcement comes as the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to launch their campaign for a third consecutive World Series championship, beginning with their season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The sponsorship deal, negotiated over nearly a year according to Fast Retailing senior executive officer Koji Yanai, represents Uniqlo’s inaugural major sports sponsorship in the United States. The agreement positions Uniqlo’s distinctive red-and-white branding throughout the stadium, including strategic placements at the batter’s eye in center field, along the baselines, and beneath the press box facade.
Company founder Tadashi Yanai, recognized as Japan’s wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $62 billion, emphasized the connection between Japanese baseball talent and the Dodgers’ growing appeal. “Every one of us has become fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers because of the outstanding performances of Japanese players,” Yanai stated through a translator, referencing the team’s trio of Japanese stars: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki.
The partnership extends beyond traditional signage, with plans for dedicated retail spaces within team apparel stores and a June 21 fan event featuring Uniqlo’s LifeWear clothing line. A social contribution program is scheduled to launch in late May, further deepening the brand’s community engagement.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, presenting Yanai with a home plate signed by players as a symbolic gesture of the retailer’s new stadium presence. While existing sponsorship agreements prevent outfitting players directly, Yanai suggested providing everyday clothing remains a possibility.
The sponsorship continues the Dodgers’ established relationship with Japanese corporations, following previous partnerships with Tokyo Electron, All Nippon Airways, and Yakult, particularly strengthened since Ohtani’s arrival before the 2024 season.