Our Supplier Diversity Program, also known as Diverse Business Partners, seeks to promote efficiency and profitability for Major League Baseball and it's Clubs while extending Baseball's ability to contribute to the economic growth, strength and well-being of diverse communities.
Background
MLB has been at the forefront of professional sports in recognizing the importance of diversity, both on and off the field. In 1998, Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, authorized the creation of the DBP program, an economically driven business initiative established to cultivate new and existing partnerships with minority- and women-owned businesses, by increasing opportunities for minorities and women to participate in the procurement activities of MLB.
In October 2001, MLB announced an aggressive new public phase of the program, expanding its outreach efforts in order to raise additional awareness for the program and show interested vendors how they can participate.
Since the formation and initial implementation stages of the DBP program in 1998, MLB has incurred expenditures over $1 billion with diverse-owned businesses, making DBP an industry-leading program. The program has grown since its beginning to not just include minority and women owned businesses but also veteran-owned, LGBT-owned businesses and small businesses.
Interested in doing business with baseball?
The following is a list of useful information every business owner should know before developing a partnership with Major League Baseball.
1. Know the Game of Baseball. Make it a habit to regularly check the baseball news and press release sections on MLB.com. Knowing the current issues or events in baseball can give your business a distinct advantage when proposing the use of your services.
2. Certify your business with one of MLB's preferred certifying agencies. MLB encourages diverse businesses to contact National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Small Business Administration (SBA), National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
3. Be Specific. Know the scope of your business and how it can service baseball. Suggesting that your business can service all 30 Clubs may not be practical. Be prepared to know which teams and markets you can support.
4. Be realistic. Major League Baseball is very proud of its world class brand. However, our franchises are small to medium size businesses. The demand for our business is very competitive.
5. Know your competition. Be prepared to identify who your competition may be and why your company is the preferred choice.
