MLB Style Guide: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 02/11/2026)
This comprehensive guide, collaboratively created by MLB Brand, MLB Global Design, and Mother Design, establishes unified visual standards for Major League Baseball’s evolving brand identity.
It ensures consistency across all platforms—digital, broadcast, print, and team-specific applications—maintaining MLB’s prestige and recognition within the professional baseball landscape.
Major League Baseball’s brand represents over a century of athletic excellence, cultural impact, and passionate fandom. This brand is more than just logos and colors; it embodies the history, tradition, and future of America’s pastime. The MLB brand strives to connect with diverse audiences, fostering a sense of community and shared experience around the game.
This style guide serves as the definitive resource for anyone representing MLB, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand presence. It details the proper usage of visual elements, editorial standards, and legal guidelines. Maintaining brand consistency is paramount in a rapidly evolving media landscape, safeguarding the integrity and value of the MLB identity.
The recent brand refresh, a reimagining for today’s world, aims to flex and stretch across every channel, unifying the visual identity while allowing for appropriate team-specific expressions. This guide is a living document, subject to updates and refinements to reflect the dynamic nature of the sport and the evolving needs of the MLB brand.
The Importance of Brand Consistency in MLB
Brand consistency is crucial for MLB, strengthening recognition and fostering trust among fans, partners, and media outlets. A unified brand experience across all touchpoints – from MLB.com and social media to broadcasts and stadium signage – reinforces MLB’s position as a premier sports and entertainment organization.
Inconsistency can dilute the brand’s impact, creating confusion and diminishing its overall value. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that every representation of MLB reflects its core values: integrity, excellence, and a commitment to the game. This standardization extends to visual elements like logos and colors, as well as editorial voice and statistical presentation.
Maintaining a cohesive brand identity is particularly important given MLB’s diverse ecosystem of 30 teams, each with its own unique local market and fanbase. The MLB Style Guide provides a framework for balancing team-specific branding with overarching league standards, ensuring a unified yet vibrant brand presence.
Visual Identity Standards
This section details the core elements of MLB’s visual identity, encompassing logo usage, color palettes, typography, and image guidelines for a cohesive look.
MLB Logo Usage Guidelines
The MLB logo is a highly protected asset, and its consistent application is paramount to brand integrity. These guidelines dictate acceptable usage, ensuring the logo’s prominence and clarity across all mediums. The primary logo, featuring the silhouetted batter, must maintain specific proportions and minimum sizes, detailed in accompanying documentation.
Alterations to the logo’s color, shape, or orientation are strictly prohibited. Clear space surrounding the logo is crucial; a defined buffer zone must be maintained free of any graphic elements or text. Variations for specific applications, such as dark backgrounds, are provided, but unauthorized modifications are unacceptable.
Logos should never be distorted, skewed, or used in a manner that compromises its visual impact. Proper logo placement is essential, avoiding areas with visual clutter or low contrast. These guidelines extend to all official MLB properties, including teams, events, and merchandise, reinforcing a unified brand presence.
Official MLB Color Palette (Hex, RGB, CMYK, Pantone)
Maintaining a consistent color palette is fundamental to MLB’s visual identity. The official palette comprises core colors representing the league’s heritage and dynamism. These colors are specified in multiple formats – Hex, RGB, CMYK, and Pantone – to ensure accurate reproduction across diverse media.
Primary colors include a specific shade of navy blue (#091E37) and a vibrant red (#CC0000). Secondary and accent colors are also defined, offering flexibility while upholding brand consistency. Pantone Matching System (PMS) numbers are provided for precise color matching in print applications.
Strict adherence to these color values is mandatory for all official MLB communications and materials. Deviations from the approved palette are prohibited. Digital applications should prioritize Hex and RGB values, while print materials should utilize CMYK and Pantone for optimal results, guaranteeing a cohesive and recognizable MLB brand aesthetic.
Typography Standards for MLB Branding
Consistent typography is crucial for reinforcing the MLB brand’s clarity and professionalism. The official MLB typeface family is carefully selected to convey both tradition and modernity. Approved fonts must be used across all communications, ensuring a unified visual experience for fans.
The primary typeface is a custom-designed sans-serif font, optimized for readability in both digital and print formats. Specific weights and styles (regular, bold, italic) are designated for headlines, body copy, and captions. Secondary fonts may be permitted for specific applications, but must complement the primary typeface.
Detailed guidelines outline font sizes, leading, kerning, and tracking to maintain visual harmony. Adherence to these standards is mandatory for all official MLB materials, guaranteeing a consistent and recognizable typographic voice that strengthens the league’s overall brand identity and enhances communication effectiveness.
Image Style Guidelines: Photography & Graphics
MLB’s visual storytelling relies on high-quality, authentic imagery that captures the energy and emotion of the game. Photography should prioritize action shots, player portraits, and compelling fan experiences, reflecting diversity and inclusivity. Images must be technically sound – properly exposed, sharp, and free of distracting elements.
Graphic elements should complement photography, not overshadow it. A clean, modern aesthetic is preferred, utilizing the official MLB color palette and typography. Infographics must present data clearly and concisely, avoiding clutter and unnecessary embellishments. Illustrations, when used, should align with the overall brand style.
All imagery must adhere to legal and ethical standards, including obtaining necessary releases and respecting copyright restrictions. Consistency in image style is paramount, reinforcing MLB’s brand identity and creating a cohesive visual narrative across all platforms.
Digital Media Guidelines
MLB’s digital presence demands consistent branding across MLB.com, social media, streaming platforms, and digital advertising, ensuring a unified and engaging fan experience.
MLB.com Website Style Guide
The MLB.com website serves as the central hub for all things baseball, demanding a meticulously maintained style guide to ensure a cohesive user experience. All content must adhere to established typography standards, utilizing approved fonts and sizes for optimal readability across various devices.
Image usage requires strict adherence to the image style guidelines, prioritizing high-quality photography and graphics that reflect the MLB brand aesthetic. Consistent use of the official MLB color palette is paramount, reinforcing brand recognition throughout the site.
Editorial content must follow the MLB news reporting style, maintaining objectivity and accuracy. Interactive elements, such as scoreboards and standings, should be presented with clarity and consistency, adhering to the statistical presentation standards. Accessibility guidelines must be followed to ensure inclusivity for all users, and all digital advertising specifications must be met.
Regular audits will be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with these guidelines, maintaining MLB.com’s position as a premier digital sports destination.
Social Media Branding Guidelines
Maintaining a consistent brand presence across all social media platforms is crucial for MLB. These guidelines dictate the visual and editorial standards for content published on platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
All posts must incorporate the official MLB logo and color palette, adhering to the logo usage guidelines and color specifications. Typography should align with the established MLB branding standards, ensuring readability and brand recognition.
Image and video content must reflect the high-quality aesthetic outlined in the image style guidelines. Tone of voice should align with the official communications guidelines, maintaining a positive and engaging approach.
Hashtag usage should be strategic and consistent, promoting key MLB initiatives and events. Compliance with copyright guidelines is essential, and all user-generated content must be appropriately credited. Regular monitoring and analysis will ensure adherence to these guidelines and optimize social media performance.
MLB TV & Streaming Visual Standards
Visual elements for MLB TV and streaming platforms must uphold the league’s brand identity and enhance the viewing experience. These standards cover everything from on-screen graphics to lower thirds and video transitions.
All graphics packages should utilize the official MLB color palette and typography, ensuring consistency with other brand touchpoints. Scorebugs, statistics displays, and other informational graphics must be clear, concise, and easily readable.
Video transitions should be subtle and professional, avoiding distracting effects. The MLB logo should be prominently displayed during broadcasts and streaming content, adhering to the logo usage guidelines.
Content must be optimized for various screen sizes and resolutions, maintaining visual quality across all devices. Adherence to these standards ensures a cohesive and premium viewing experience for MLB fans, reinforcing the league’s brand image.
Digital Advertising Specifications
All digital advertising for MLB must align with the league’s brand guidelines to maintain a consistent and premium image across all platforms. These specifications cover banner ads, social media advertising, and pre-roll video content.
Advertisements must utilize the official MLB color palette and typography, adhering to the established visual identity standards. The MLB logo should be prominently featured, following the prescribed logo usage guidelines for size and placement.
Creative content should be high-resolution and optimized for various ad formats and screen sizes. All advertising materials are subject to MLB’s approval process to ensure brand consistency and compliance.
Advertisers must adhere to all legal and copyright regulations. These specifications guarantee that all digital advertising effectively represents the MLB brand, enhancing its reach and impact with fans.
Broadcast & Print Guidelines
These guidelines ensure MLB’s visual and editorial consistency across all broadcast and printed materials, maintaining a unified brand experience for fans everywhere.
MLB Network Advertising Guidelines
All advertising materials intended for broadcast on MLB Network must adhere to stringent guidelines to maintain brand integrity and viewer experience. Commercial production standards are paramount, requiring compliance with specifications detailed at www.mlbnetworkaffiliates.com.
Advertisers must submit all creative assets for review and approval prior to airing. This process ensures alignment with MLB’s overall brand aesthetic and messaging. Specifically, guidelines cover aspects like logo usage, color palettes, typography, and overall visual presentation.
Content must be free of any offensive or inappropriate material, and adhere to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, advertisements should accurately represent the advertised product or service, avoiding misleading claims; MLB Network reserves the right to reject any advertisement that does not meet these standards, prioritizing a high-quality and consistent viewing experience for its audience. Detailed technical specifications regarding video and audio formats are also available on the affiliate website.
Commercial Production Standards
Maintaining a consistently high production quality is crucial for all MLB-related commercials. These standards encompass technical specifications, creative guidelines, and legal compliance, ensuring a premium viewing experience that reflects the MLB brand.
All productions must adhere to broadcast-quality standards regarding video resolution, audio levels, and color correction. Specifically, commercials should utilize approved MLB logos, colors, and typography as outlined in this style guide. Any use of MLB player imagery requires proper licensing and approvals.
Content must be original and avoid any copyright infringement. Furthermore, commercials should be reviewed for accuracy and avoid misleading claims. MLB reserves the right to request revisions or reject any commercial that does not meet these standards. Detailed technical specifications, including frame rates and aspect ratios, are available to approved production partners, guaranteeing a polished and professional final product.
Print Material Specifications (Programs, Tickets, etc.)
All printed materials—including game programs, tickets, promotional flyers, and signage—must strictly adhere to MLB’s visual identity standards. This ensures a cohesive brand experience for fans attending games and events. Color accuracy is paramount; utilize the official MLB color palette (Hex, RGB, CMYK, Pantone) to guarantee consistent reproduction across all print runs.
Typography must conform to the approved MLB font families and sizes. Logo placement and sizing are also governed by specific guidelines detailed within this document; High-resolution images are required to maintain clarity and quality in printed form.
Paper stock and finishing options should be selected to reflect the premium nature of the MLB brand. All materials require final approval from MLB’s Brand team before production, ensuring compliance and brand consistency. Detailed specifications, including bleed requirements and file formats, are available upon request.
Team-Specific Branding Considerations
While maintaining MLB’s core identity, teams may have allowable logo variations and color usage within established guidelines, ensuring local market relevance and brand oversight.
Allowable Variations in Team Logos
Team logos, while rooted in the overarching MLB brand standards, can exhibit carefully considered variations to reflect unique team histories and regional identities. These deviations must adhere to strict guidelines to preserve brand consistency and avoid fragmentation.
Acceptable modifications generally involve minor adjustments to existing logo elements, such as subtle color shifts within the approved palette or the inclusion of established commemorative patches. However, fundamental alterations to the core logo shape, proportions, or key design features are prohibited.
Any proposed logo variation requires prior approval from MLB’s Brand team to ensure compliance with these standards. This process involves submitting detailed mockups and rationale for the proposed changes. Teams must demonstrate how the variation enhances their brand identity without compromising the overall MLB aesthetic. The goal is to balance local expression with league-wide unity.
Furthermore, the use of alternate logos is restricted to specific contexts, such as special events or anniversary celebrations, and must be clearly defined in advance with MLB approval. Maintaining a cohesive visual identity across all 30 teams remains paramount.
Team Color Usage within MLB Standards
While MLB maintains an official color palette, teams are granted flexibility in utilizing their primary and secondary colors, provided they align with the broader brand guidelines. Each team’s established color scheme is considered a vital part of its identity, but must be implemented thoughtfully within the MLB framework.
Colors must be accurately reproduced using the specified Hex, RGB, CMYK, and Pantone values to ensure consistency across all media. Variations in color tone or saturation are discouraged. Teams should prioritize the use of official MLB-approved colors whenever possible.
The combination of team colors with the official MLB logo and typography requires careful consideration. Contrast ratios must be maintained for readability and visual appeal. Color pairings should avoid clashes and enhance the overall aesthetic.
Any deviation from established color standards requires prior approval from the MLB Brand team. This ensures that all team branding efforts contribute to a unified and recognizable MLB visual identity, strengthening the league’s overall brand presence.
Local Market Branding & MLB Oversight
MLB recognizes the importance of teams reflecting their local market’s unique identity, but this must be balanced with maintaining a consistent league-wide brand. Localized marketing initiatives and branding elements are permissible, provided they adhere to overarching MLB style guidelines.
Teams must submit all local market branding materials to MLB for review and approval before public release. This process ensures that local campaigns align with the broader MLB brand strategy and avoid any conflicting messaging or visual elements.
Emphasis should be placed on integrating local elements subtly, rather than overshadowing the core MLB brand identity. Local sponsorships and partnerships should be represented in a manner that complements, not compromises, the league’s visual standards.
MLB provides resources and guidance to assist teams in developing effective local market branding strategies. This collaborative approach fosters a strong relationship between the league and its franchises, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all markets.
Editorial Style & Voice
Official MLB communications demand objective news reporting, a consistent tone, and standardized statistical presentation. This ensures clarity, accuracy, and a unified voice across all platforms.
MLB News Reporting Style
All MLB news reporting must adhere to principles of objectivity, accuracy, and fairness. Avoid subjective language, sensationalism, or biased framing. Reports should prioritize factual information, verified statistics, and direct quotes from credible sources.
When covering game results, utilize standardized statistical presentation, clearly outlining key performance indicators (KPIs) for players and teams. Attribute all statistics to official MLB data sources.
Player names should be consistently formatted – “First Name Last Name” on first reference, followed by “Last Name” in subsequent mentions. Team names should be fully spelled out on first reference, then abbreviated according to official MLB conventions.
Avoid speculative reporting or unsubstantiated rumors. Focus on confirmed information and verifiable facts. Maintain a professional and respectful tone when reporting on sensitive topics, such as player injuries or off-field incidents.
Always double-check facts and figures before publication to ensure accuracy and credibility. Adherence to these guidelines will uphold the integrity of MLB’s news coverage.
Tone of Voice Guidelines for Official Communications
Official MLB communications should consistently project a tone of authority, enthusiasm, and respect for the game and its fans. Maintain a professional yet approachable voice, avoiding jargon or overly technical language that may alienate casual followers.
Celebrate the history and tradition of baseball while embracing innovation and the evolving nature of the sport. Highlight player achievements and team successes with genuine excitement, but avoid hyperbole or excessive praise.
When addressing sensitive issues, such as rule changes or controversies, communicate with transparency, empathy, and a commitment to fairness. Acknowledge fan concerns and provide clear, concise explanations;
Ensure all messaging is inclusive and welcoming to a diverse audience. Avoid language that could be perceived as discriminatory or offensive.
Strive for consistency in voice across all channels – social media, press releases, website content, and internal communications – reinforcing a unified and recognizable MLB brand identity;
Statistical Presentation Standards
MLB maintains rigorous standards for the presentation of baseball statistics, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency across all official platforms. Traditional statistics – batting average, home runs, earned run average – must be displayed using established formatting conventions, including appropriate decimal places and abbreviations.
Advanced metrics, such as WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging), should be presented with clear explanations of their calculation and significance, catering to both casual and dedicated fans.
Data visualization, including charts and graphs, must be easily understandable and visually appealing, avoiding clutter or misleading representations.
Historical statistics should be clearly identified as such, differentiating them from current season data.
All statistical information must be sourced from official MLB data providers, guaranteeing reliability and preventing discrepancies. Consistency in statistical presentation reinforces the integrity of the game and enhances fan engagement.
Legal & Compliance
Protecting MLB’s trademarks and copyrights is paramount; strict adherence to usage guidelines is mandatory for all partners and affiliates, ensuring legal compliance.
Trademark Usage & Protection
MLB’s trademarks—logos, names, and associated imagery—are valuable assets requiring diligent protection. All usage must align with the guidelines outlined within this Style Guide, preventing unauthorized reproduction or modification. Proper trademark attribution, including the ® symbol where applicable, is essential in all communications.
External partners require explicit written permission for any trademark use, governed by licensing agreements. Infringement, including counterfeit merchandise or unauthorized digital applications, will be vigorously pursued through legal channels.
Guidelines extend to team-specific trademarks, ensuring consistent brand representation across the league. Any proposed use deviating from approved standards must undergo review by the MLB Legal Department. Maintaining trademark integrity is crucial for preserving MLB’s brand equity and preventing consumer confusion. Regular monitoring and enforcement are key components of this protection strategy.
Copyright Guidelines for MLB Content
All content created by or on behalf of MLB—including video, photography, statistics, articles, and graphics—is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or display of this content is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent from MLB Properties, Inc.
Fair use exceptions are limited and require adherence to specific legal standards. Attribution alone does not constitute sufficient permission. Digital platforms and broadcasters must implement measures to prevent unauthorized content sharing.
Content licensing agreements outline permissible usage rights for approved partners. These agreements specify scope, duration, and geographic limitations. MLB reserves the right to audit content usage and enforce copyright protections. Respecting these guidelines ensures legal compliance and supports the continued creation of high-quality MLB content for fans worldwide.
