Fans cry foul over fake Yankees jerseys, demand MLB investigation

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New York Yankees fans demand an MLB investigation into a sharp rise in counterfeit New York Yankees Jerseys in the market.

The New York Yankees may be soaring in the standings this season, but some of their most loyal fans are sounding the alarm over a growing controversy off the field: counterfeit merchandise. Specifically, fans are alleging that fake Yankees jerseys are being sold both online, in stores, and around Yankee Stadium—prompting calls for Major League Baseball and team officials to investigate.

Fans report jersey inconsistencies in quality and design

What began as isolated complaints on fan forums has quickly turned into a wave of social media posts, Reddit threads, and TikTok videos with fans showcasing jerseys that appear to be knockoffs, despite being purchased from what they believed were authorized vendors.

Some fans have pointed out noticeable differences in stitching, font style, logo placement, and the feel of the fabric. Others complained of jerseys that began peeling, fading, or falling apart after just one wash—uncharacteristic for officially licensed merchandise.

“I bought a Gerrit Cole jersey from a pop-up shop right near the stadium, and everything seemed legit. It wasn’t until I compared it with a friend’s that I realized the ‘NY’ logo was slightly off and the Majestic tag was missing,” said longtime fan Chris Delgado in a TikTok video that’s now been viewed over 100,000 times.

Allegations include both store and online sellers

Some of the allegations go beyond shady online resellers. Several fans claim to have purchased counterfeit gear from vendors operating within a block of Yankee Stadium on game days.

“They had all the tags, the packaging, and the right price points,” said another fan on Reddit. “But when I contacted Fanatics, they told me the jersey I bought was not part of their official distribution.”

Fanatics, which handles a significant portion of MLB’s official merchandise, has not issued a public statement.

Possible licensing loopholes or criminal operations?

While it remains unclear whether these alleged counterfeit sales are the work of unlicensed street vendors or more organized operations exploiting legal gray areas, intellectual property experts suggest the issue could have broader implications.

“There’s a fine line between bootleg merchandise and criminal counterfeiting,” said a New York-based IP attorney. “Once fans start reporting fakes purchased through legitimate-looking channels, MLB has no choice but to intervene.”

Online platforms such as Amazon and eBay have already faced criticism in the past for allowing counterfeit sportswear to be sold by third-party vendors. A quick search for Yankees jerseys on lesser-known e-commerce websites reveals several options that, while visually accurate, do not list official MLB licensing.

Calls for action

Yankees fans and watchdog groups are now urging the team, MLB, and the NYPD to crack down on unlicensed sellers and implement stronger anti-counterfeit measures.

“Yankees jerseys are not just souvenirs—they’re a symbol of pride. To see so many fans being tricked into paying premium prices for fakes is infuriating,” said Luis Rivas, a season ticket holder from the Bronx. “There should be better enforcement around the stadium and clearer channels to verify merchandise.”

The Yankees organization has not commented on the allegations as of Friday morning. However, a source familiar with the team’s retail operations said there may be a formal review of vendor policies and stadium-area partnerships.

What fans can do

Experts and fan advocacy groups recommend that customers only buy merchandise through official MLB channels, such as the Yankees’ official website, Fanatics, or certified in-stadium shops. Physical signs of counterfeit gear can include:

• Incorrect or misaligned stitching
• Missing MLB hologram or tag
• Low-quality materials
• Misspelled player names or improper number fonts

If fans suspect they’ve purchased counterfeit goods, they are encouraged to file a complaint with MLB’s consumer protection unit or the Federal Trade Commission.

A familiar problem for big brands

The alleged sale of fake Yankees gear is not unique. Teams across all major sports leagues, from the NFL to the NBA, have had to battle counterfeit markets for years. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, counterfeit sports merchandise accounts for more than $500 million in lost revenue annually.

The Yankees, with their globally recognized interlocking “NY” logo, are particularly vulnerable to brand exploitation.

As the 2025 season heats up, fans are hoping their voices will lead to swift action. “The team represents excellence,” said one fan. “Their merch should too.”

What do you think? Leave your comments below.

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