A new marketing deal between Major League Baseball and Nike has some businesses near Yankee Stadium alarmed.
The deal will prevent shops near Yankee Stadium from selling any officially licensed Yankees merchandise. That means no T-shirts, caps or jerseys.
Business owners and several community leaders oppose the deal. They are worried that the agreement could force many small businesses near the stadium to close their doors.
"People own these businesses. We live. This is how we make a living," said Louis Dituri, a store owner. "They all make livings, and we understand the importance of that, but don't overlook the little guy who is fighting to survive."
The deal is set to go into effect in January.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to the Yankees, MLB and Nike.
The team responded by saying it is trying to work out an agreement that would protect the business owners.