In a groundbreaking move for both sports and wellness, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced in October 2022 that it had named Charlotte’s Web the league’s Official CBD Partner—the first agreement of its kind in professional U.S. sports. The partnership symbolizes a major step toward mainstream acceptance of hemp-derived wellness products and reflects changing attitudes toward plant-based recovery in athletics.

Partnership Overview

MLB opened the CBD sponsorship category earlier in 2022, requiring that any approved brand meet strict safety, quality, and anti-doping standards. Charlotte’s Web, widely recognized for its hemp-derived CBD products and transparent lab testing, was selected as the league’s exclusive partner.

As part of the deal, Charlotte’s Web launched a new Charlotte’s Web SPORT line, beginning with Daily Edge, a broad-spectrum CBD tincture designed for focus, calm, and recovery. Importantly, the product is NSF Certified for Sport, a crucial designation ensuring it meets MLB’s safety and compliance requirements and is free from banned substances.

MLB also received an equity stake in the company—roughly 6.1 million shares—alongside co-branded marketing rights and a multi-year licensing agreement. Fans will see Charlotte’s Web SPORT products carrying the MLB silhouetted batter logo and being promoted across digital platforms, stadium signage, and league events like the All-Star Game and World Series.

Why It Matters

The partnership marks a historic milestone in the intersection of sports and cannabis-derived wellness. For MLB, it aligns with a broader focus on education and recovery, offering players and fans access to federally legal, plant-based alternatives that support rest and performance. For Charlotte’s Web, it brings enormous exposure to one of the world’s most recognized sports audiences, reaching more than 180 million MLB fans.

The collaboration also sets a precedent for other leagues—demonstrating that CBD partnerships can exist within a strict regulatory framework. With transparency and safety at the forefront, MLB’s move could encourage organizations like the NFL, NBA, and NHL to reevaluate their own policies toward CBD sponsorships.

Market Growth and Public Perception

The U.S. hemp-derived CBD market was valued at about $4.7 billion in 2021, with strong projected growth as consumers embrace CBD for pain, anxiety, and sleep support. This partnership pushes CBD further into the mainstream wellness space, helping normalize its role in athletic performance and recovery routines.

Still, some challenges remain. The FDA has yet to formalize CBD supplement regulations, and public misunderstanding about the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana continues to persist. Both MLB and Charlotte’s Web must maintain transparency to ensure consumer trust.

A New Era for Sports Wellness

Charlotte’s Web’s alliance with MLB represents more than a marketing deal—it’s a cultural shift. The most traditional of American sports is embracing modern wellness innovation. If successful, this partnership could redefine how athletes approach recovery, focus, and longevity, while signaling the next chapter for CBD’s acceptance in professional sports.