Being a Nike RBI affiliate gives organization’s access to both programmatic and administrative resources through MLB and its partners to assist with the operations of an organization's Nike RBI program. In addition to being able to incorporate the Nike RBI name and logo into your organization’s collateral, here’s a list of additional resources available to Nike RBI affiliates.
No Affiliation / Charter Fees
There is no annual affiliation and/or charter fee to Major League Baseball for an organization to become a Nike RBI affiliate.
General Liability Insurance
Affiliated organizations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico are eligible to purchase their organization’s insurance, through Major League Baseball’s insurance partner at MLB’s preferred annual rate. If needed MLB is also able to arrange payment plans for organizations that are not able to cover the cost of the insurance premium upfront.
Nike RBI Uniform Programs with Preferred Pricing
All Nike RBI affiliates have access to a specific Nike RBI uniform program through Fanatics which has various Nike product options from your cotton t-shirt to full button jersey. Through this program, affiliates are able to order custom organization specific or stock MLB/MiLB Club uniforms in multiple colors at the Nike RBI preferred rate.
For hats, affiliates have access to preferred pricing through Outdoor Cap which is an approved vendor to print the Nike RBI logo on their products.
Equipment Donations & Preferred Pricing
Affiliates are eligible to receive equipment donations as well as purchase equipment through MLB licensees at MLB’s discounted rates for baseballs, softballs, helmets, catcher’s gear, etc.
Equipment Donations:
First year Nike RBI affiliates will automatically qualify to receive an equipment donation in their first year of affiliation which will be based on programming needs
Returning Affiliates, Nike RBI will annually select several affiliates receive an equipment donation on behalf of Nike RBI from one our partners
Equipment Ordering:
Affiliates can order equipment directly through MLB from its licensees at MLB’s discounted rate which can include but not limited to baseballs, softballs, helmets, pitching machines, catcher's gear, batting helmets, gloves, bats, nets etc. If needed, MLB can also arrange payment plans for equipment purchases to be paid-off in quarterly installments
Cash Grants & Financial Support
Annually MLB will distribute up to sixteen (16) $1,500 cash grants to selected affiliates for capital improvement projects, capacity building, or other operational expenses. First year affiliates are not eligible to receive a cash grant the first year in which they become affiliated
Free Organization Management Platform powered by LeagueApps
Nike RBI subsidizes the cost for affiliates to utilize LeagueApps, a youth sport management administrative platform unique to each affiliate which provides a forward-facing website with capabilities to collect online registrations, payments, create schedules, send league communications, and more. Utilizing the platform not only ensures an affiliate meets all registration requirements, but also for those that register through an MLB site, can receive additional communications from Major League Baseball and its partners. For the 2024 season, all registrants will receive a free MLB and MiLB.TV subscription for the season!
RBI for RBI Scholarship
Nike RBI scholarship programs which annually provides twelve (12) Nike RBI participants pursuing post-secondary education with a $5,000 scholarship that is renewable for up to four (4) years. RBI for RBI Scholarship recipients can receive up to $20,000 over four (4) years
Discounted Rate & Financial Support for Background Checks
Affiliates have access to conduct their background checks for required individual(s) in their Nike RBI program at discounted rates through our partnership with JDP
- Financial Support: affiliates that utilize JDP services to conduct their background checks can receive financial assistance annually to assist with the cost of background checks
- Customizable Packages: access to different levels of background checks in addition to the ability to create custom packages based upon organization guidelines
Free & Discounted Child Abuse & Mandatory Reporting Training
Through MLB’s relationship with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, affiliated organizations can purchase SafeSport coursework at a discounted rate of $18. Affiliates also have access to USA Baseball’s free training “Abuse Awareness for Adults”
Coach, Parent, and Volunteer workshops
Through Major League Baseball’s partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance and USA Baseball, affiliated organizations can apply to host workshops administered by these organizations for coaches, parents, administrators, volunteers and players.
RBI Institute
In-person conference for Nike RBI representatives where they attend sessions and hear from other Nike RBI representatives on best practices on a number of different topics including but not limited to fundraising, player recruitment, coaching development, ways to play, etc.
Nike RBI Tournament Play
Annually, Nike RBI will host regional qualifying tournaments for three (3) playing divisions for advancement to the Nike RBI World Series. Organizations that provide baseball and/or softball league play and meet all the tournament eligibility requirements annually, can apply to compete in tournament play.
- Playing Divisions by League Age:
- Jr. Baseball (13 – 15)
- Sr. Baseball (13 – 18)
Softball (18u) - Reimbursement: Affiliates that compete in Tournament Play, can apply for financial reimbursement for a portion of their expenses incurred to participate (lodging, meals, and mileage)
- World Series: For organizations that advance to the World Series, Nike RBI will cover majority of the costs for the organization to participate. (Expenditures include but are not limited to air/ground transportation, lodging, meals, etc.)
Access to Other Baseball & Softball Development Programs
In addition to Nike RBI, MLB’s Baseball & Softball Development Department administers multiple programs and initiatives for individuals to be involved with bat and ball sport. Other potential MLB-sanctioned and sponsored play opportunities for your organization to host and your participants to participate in include but are not limited to: https://www.mlb.com/youth-baseball-softball
- Baseball Development: Dream Series, Breakthrough Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, ID Tour, Tournament Teams
- Girls Baseball Development: MLB GRIT, Breakthrough Series, Trailblazer Series, Elite Development Invitational
- Softball Development: Elite Development Invitational, Breakthrough Series
- Skills Competition: https://www.mlb.com/pitch-hit-and-run
- Grassroots: Playball.org
Additional One-Off Opportunities: Throughout the year, Nike RBI will be presented with additional opportunities from Major League Baseball, its partners, and licensees. When any one-off opportunities are presented, Nike RBI organizations are the first beneficiaries where applicable