Bucks fans push back over Uline jersey patch deal

A jersey sponsorship from packaging giant Uline has drawn criticism from Milwaukee fans over the political donations of its owners.

The Milwaukee Bucks have named Uline as their new jersey patch sponsor beginning with the 2026-27 season, replacing Motorola. The Wisconsin-based packaging distributor's logo will appear on game and practice jerseys and will be featured inside Fiserv Forum during games.

The announcement quickly drew criticism from a portion of the fan base. Mandela Barnes, a former Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, responded to the team's Instagram post with the comment, "Honestly don't think y'all ever had the plot." Other supporters said publicly that they would stop spending money on the franchise while Uline remains a sponsor, and some objected to the team using its mascot, Bango, to announce the deal.

Much of the frustration stems from the political activity of Uline's owners. Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who own the company and reside in Illinois, rank among the largest financial backers of Republican candidates and causes. Campaign finance records show the couple gave $9 million to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, a congressman running against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, as of August.

The team framed the arrangement as a partnership between two organizations with Wisconsin roots. Matt Pazaras, the Bucks' chief business development and strategy officer, said the deal lets the club represent its home state globally, while Uline executive vice president Brian Uihlein said the company's family has long held affection for Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

The backlash stands in contrast to the franchise's recent history of social engagement. In 2020, following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Bucks players wore protest messages and declined to take the court for Game 5 against Orlando, prompting a league-wide stoppage, and in 2022 the arena served as an early voting site through a collaboration with LeBron James' "More Than a Vote" initiative. The Bucks have not commented on the fan reaction.