The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is working toward an agreement with Genies that would allow for the league’s players to have their likeness included in the company’s Avatar Agency.
Genies recently announced their expansive collection of avatars and its platform is compatible on all social media and chat channels. A partnership between the MLBPA and Genies would allow players to join forces with brands who wish to use an avatar.
Should a deal be reached, Genies will create apparel that matches the brands individual players collaborate with, and allow users to dress their own avatars to match their favorite player. MLB will also have their own category in the Genies keyboard, allowing for even more opportunities to share baseball-related messages and content.
“We’re excited to bring on MLB Players, Inc. as a partner of Genies,” managing director of the Avatar Agency Allison Sturges said. “Players can now expand their digital identity and take on new experiences and benefits that weren’t possible before.
“Genies have proven to be the ultimate branding experience for celebrities across the world and our partnership with MLBPI is going to further that message.”
MLBPA x @geniesofficial is here!
Excited to announce our 1,200+ active MLB players are joining the Avatar Agency! pic.twitter.com/iI9fF5D9ba
— MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) November 21, 2019
MLBPI’s executive vice president of licensing and sponsorship Evan Kaplan added: “Genies has the potential to open up new doors for our players in ways that have never been done before. Genies is an incredible outlet for [players] to further grow their presence in the digital world. With a digital representation, they can stay focused on baseball without losing the opportunity to actively engage with brands and fans.”
MLB is following in the footsteps of the NFLPA, who in October announced a licensing deal with Genies to create digital avatars of more than 2,000 of the league’s active players.
Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Jose Altuve, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving are among the athletes and celebrities already utilizing avatars on the Genies platform.
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