Bucks Name Uline Jersey Patch Sponsor, Drawing Fan Backlash

The Milwaukee Bucks' new jersey patch deal with packaging company Uline sparked criticism from fans citing the owners' political donations.

The Milwaukee Bucks announced Uline as their new jersey patch partner beginning in the 2026-27 season, replacing Motorola on the team's uniforms. The patch will appear on game and practice jerseys, and Uline's branding will be featured in-arena at Fiserv Forum.

Bucks chief business development and strategy officer Matt Pazaras framed the deal as a link between two Wisconsin-rooted companies. Uline executive vice president Brian Uihlein said the company was thrilled to take on the sponsorship. Uline is headquartered in Kenosha County and employs more than 10,000 people across North America.

The announcement drew quick criticism from some fans, who pointed to the political activity of owners Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, major donors to Republican campaigns. As of August, the couple had donated $9 million to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, who is running against Democrat David Crowley. Federal records show Richard Uihlein has given more than $35 million to the Restoration of America PAC.

Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes responded to the announcement on Instagram, writing that he did not think the Bucks had "the plot." Other fans posted about boycotting the team, and some criticized the use of mascot Bango in the reveal. The Wisconsin College Republicans praised Uline on X.

The Bucks did not respond to requests for comment on the fan reaction. The team has previously been viewed as one of the NBA's more progressive franchises, including its 2020 playoff boycott after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha and a 2022 partnership with LeBron James' voting initiative at Fiserv Forum.