MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced a multiyear, all-inclusive gaming partnership with MGM Resorts International, following in the footsteps of the NBA. The deal calls for MGM to be recognized as designated as the first-ever “official gaming partner of MLB” and “official entertainment partner of MLB.”
Under the agreement, MGM brands will be used across league and team sponsorships, data usage in gaming, promotion across MLB-owned media platforms, and domestic and international activations at league events.
“We are pleased to partner with MGM Resorts International, a clear industry leader in the sports gaming area, to work together on bringing innovative experiences to baseball fans and MGM customers,” Manfred said.
“Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan engagement opportunities ahead.”
MGM sportsbooks have begun begin to utilize MLB’s official statistics feed and will have access to enhanced stats on an exclusive basis. In addition, intellectual property, will appear in MGM advertising and their sportsbooks, and the company will have a presence at the All-Star Game and World Series.
In Japan, MGM Resorts will be an official partner at grassroots baseball events like the MLB Road Show.
“We are excited to enter into this historic partnership with MLB. We are thrilled to create a new one-of-a-kind fan experience for baseball fans,” MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren said.
“Combining MGM Resorts’ world class entertainment and technology with MLB data will continue to transform a rapidly changing industry. This partnership further amplifies the significance of our GVC JV, firmly establishing MGM Resorts and playMGM as the market leader in partnerships with major professional sports leagues.”
The agreement comes seven months after the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn a longstanding federal ban on sports gambling on constitutional grounds.
