Chicago White Sox have entered a new phase of commercial development after confirming CME Group as the franchise’s first-ever jersey patch sponsor.
The agreement places the CME Group logo on the left sleeve of all White Sox uniforms, including home, road, alternate, and MLB Nike City Connect jerseys. The branding will be visible throughout Spring Training, the regular season, and the postseason, providing year-round exposure across Major League Baseball competition.
In addition to on-jersey visibility, the partnership delivers premium in-stadium assets. CME Group will feature fixed signage behind home plate at Rate Field during White Sox home games, alongside a wider package of marketing integrations and promotional rights across team-controlled channels.
The collaboration brings together two organisations with deep Chicago roots and international scale. CME Group operates the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, serving global markets across futures, options, and clearing services. The White Sox, one of Major League Baseball’s longest-standing franchises, had previously chosen not to monetise jersey inventory, making this agreement a notable shift in approach.
CME Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy said, “Partnering with a team known for grit, achievement and perseverance is a natural fit with the CME Group brand, and we are pleased to become the first jersey-patch sponsor of the Chicago White Sox. In our own ways, both of our organisations are strong contributors to the greater Chicago community. Yet our reach goes well beyond the city we share, appealing to key constituents around the world. The White Sox are reaching younger, broader and increasingly global audiences, as evidenced by the league’s record revenue and increasing viewership. CME Group is similarly expanding into new markets and client segments, particularly in retail. Together, we’ll deliver a compelling experience that appeals to our current and prospective clients while elevating both brands.”
Brooks Boyer, White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, added, “Throughout this process, we understood the importance and significance of joining forces with a Chicago-based partner whose brand we would literally be sporting every day. The White Sox uniform designs represent so much to our organisation, our fans and Chicago, and a bold partnership with CME Group—a Chicago-born company with a global footprint—was a perfect fit. Our organisations share a mentality that is built on ambition, pride and a strong work ethic, and this jersey patch is more than branding; it reinforces the power of Chicago both here at home and around the world.”
From a strategic standpoint, the deal delivers consistent broadcast exposure and brand association with live sport for CME Group, while allowing the White Sox to unlock a new revenue stream without diluting brand equity.
The jersey patch will make its on-field debut during Cactus League action on Friday, February 20, when the White Sox face Chicago Cubs. Its regular season debut is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, in Milwaukee, against Milwaukee Brewers, followed by the home opener against Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, April 2.
The agreement reflects the growing emphasis across professional sport on selective, high-value partnerships that balance local authenticity with global commercial reach.