CME Group Becomes Chicago White Sox’s First Jersey Patch Sponsor in Historic Multi-Year Deal

In a groundbreaking move for both the Chicago White Sox and CME Group, the two organizations have announced a multiyear partnership that will see the CME Group become the White Sox’s inaugural jersey patch sponsor. The deal is not only a significant step for the White Sox but also for CME Group as they expand their presence in the world of sports marketing and branding.

A Historic Partnership: CME Group on White Sox Uniforms

As part of the agreement, CME Group’s logo will appear on the White Sox’s home, road, and alternate jerseys, including the highly anticipated MLB Nike City Connect jerseys. The CME logo will be prominently featured during all White Sox Spring Training games, the regular season, and even postseason games. This partnership marks a first for the White Sox, who are introducing jersey patches for the first time in their history.

CME Group, a leading derivatives exchange operator, has made waves in the financial markets and beyond with its recent ventures into sports marketing. This partnership signifies the firm’s strategic expansion into new markets and showcases its growing influence within the sports world. The CME logo will be displayed across all White Sox uniforms, including the home pinstripes, road grays, and alternate black jerseys, providing ample visibility for the firm throughout the season.

The Design of the Patch: A Sleek and Stylish Addition

The jersey patch design has been carefully crafted to match the distinctive look of the White Sox’s uniforms. The CME Group’s blue logo will appear in varying designs depending on the uniform. On the traditional home pinstripes, the logo will be displayed in blue against a white background with a black border and black lettering. On the road gray jerseys, the logo will appear in blue on a gray background with black lettering. The alternate black jerseys, including the City Connect uniform, will feature the blue logo on a black background with white lettering, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic.

Fans can expect to see the updated uniforms debut in Spring Training during the annual Cactus League games, where the White Sox will face off against the Chicago Cubs. The jersey patch will then make its regular-season debut in the 2026 season opener in Milwaukee, before being showcased for the home debut at Guaranteed Rate Field against the Toronto Blue Jays.

CME Group’s Growing Sports Presence

CME Group’s foray into sports marketing is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence and visibility outside of the financial markets. The company has been ramping up its efforts in the sports world, with its recent joint venture with sports betting company FanDuel being a key component of that strategy. This collaboration allows users to trade simple yes-or-no contracts on financial markets, blending finance with sports-linked wagering.

Terry Duffy, CME Group’s Chairman and CEO, expressed his excitement over the partnership with the White Sox, citing both organizations’ deep roots in Chicago and their shared commitment to global reach. He noted, “We are pleased to become the first jersey-patch sponsor of the Chicago White Sox,” adding that the collaboration reflects both companies’ shared connections to Chicago and international audiences.

The partnership also includes other promotional opportunities for CME Group, such as fixed signage behind home plate at Guaranteed Rate Field during White Sox home games. This increased brand visibility will ensure that CME Group’s logo reaches a global audience, aligning with the company’s international aspirations.

White Sox’s Focus on Local and Global Connections

From the White Sox’s perspective, this partnership aligns perfectly with their desire to connect with a brand that has both local and global recognition. Brooks Boyer, the White Sox’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, emphasized that the team was looking for a Chicago-based partner with a global footprint. “CME Group’s brand visibility on our uniform will not only be seen by fans in Chicago but across the country and around the world,” said Boyer.

Boyer also noted that the partnership goes beyond just branding. It represents an opportunity for both entities to grow and create a long-lasting relationship that benefits both the White Sox and CME Group. With CME’s increasing push into sports-linked financial markets, this collaboration is expected to yield long-term benefits for both sides.

The Broader Impact of the Deal

This sponsorship deal also opens the door for further changes in the way sponsorships are viewed in Major League Baseball. The deal between the White Sox and CME Group is part of a larger trend across professional sports, where jersey patches have become increasingly common. While the White Sox are the first MLB team to feature CME Group’s logo on their uniforms, this could set the stage for future partnerships with other teams in the league, ushering in a new era of branding within professional baseball.

The growing presence of corporate sponsorships, especially those involving financial institutions and sports betting, reflects the changing dynamics in the world of sports marketing. Teams like the White Sox are recognizing the importance of aligning themselves with major players in various industries, not just for financial gains, but for broader cultural and strategic impacts.

What’s Next for the White Sox and CME Group?

Looking ahead, the White Sox and CME Group are poised to make a significant impact on both the MLB and the sports marketing world. As the 2026 season begins, fans will undoubtedly take note of the bold new uniforms and the prominent display of CME Group’s logo. This partnership signals the growing intersection between finance and sports, with major companies like CME Group taking center stage in the world of professional sports.

For the White Sox, the deal represents an important step forward in enhancing their brand visibility and connecting with a broader audience. The team’s focus on building strong partnerships with global brands positions them as a force to be reckoned with, not just on the field, but in the marketing and sponsorship landscape as well.

As for CME Group, the partnership with the White Sox is just the beginning. With the company continuing to expand its reach in the sports world, expect more strategic alliances and marketing initiatives to emerge in the coming years. The deal is a win-win for both parties, setting the stage for a dynamic and successful partnership that will extend far beyond the baseball diamond.

The Chicago White Sox and CME Group are ready to make their mark on the 2026 season—and fans and investors alike will be watching closely to see where this groundbreaking partnership takes them next.