MGM Resorts Inks Partnership With MLB

One of the leading global gambling conglomerates, MGM Resorts International, has published an official press release in which it is stated that they have struck a multi-year agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB), one of the oldest professional sports leagues in the USA!

The all-inclusive partnership will combine MLB and MGM brands, including playMGM, and will extend all across the US as well as in Japan.

Joint Venture

In the deal penned by the two brands it is also noted that “team sponsorships, data usage in gaming, domestic and international activations as MLB events and promotion across MLB-owned media platforms” are the heart of the cooperation that will extend to multiple areas.

MGM thus becomes MLB's first official gaming partner in history and their official entertainment partner...

...which means that MGM will be allowed to “domestically promote its brand and gaming options across MLB's digital and broadcast platforms.” This will include the MLB.com official website, MLB Network, MLB At Bat app etc.

On top of that, MGM will gain non-exclusive access to MLB's official stat feed via digital and live domestic sports gaming options; furthermore, the company will be provided with enhanced League statistics on an exclusive basis.

Responsible Attitude

One other thing both MGM and MLB will have to abide to is a collaborative effort that will yield “comprehensive responsible gaming measures” and protection of the integrity of the game on and off the field.

MGM advertising and promo campaigns will feature MLB's branding and other intellectual property...

...whereas MGM, whose presence at All-Star Game and World Series will be significant, will have to secure MLB Club partnerships at multiple levels.

Also:

Major League Baseball's MLB Road Show in Japan will also be sponsored by MGM Resorts. This “interactive fan experience” celebrates MLB by traveling through the entire country of Japan, where baseball is extremely popular, giving fans an opportunity to take part in baseball-related activities, virtual reality and visiting a baseball museum.

Watershed Waiting to Happen

American Gaming Association speculates that major US professional leagues could earn circa $4.2 billion in annual extras, should they work on establishing a nation-wide sports betting framework.

Robert D. Manfred, Jr., Baseball Commissioner, comments…

“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. Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan engagement opportunities ahead.”

This is not MGM's first venture of teaming up with sports leagues of this kind. This summer, just in time before the new season began, they signed an exclusive deal with NBA and WNBA, and in November they became NHL's partner.

MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO, Jim Murren, stated that the whole of company is excited to enter into this “historic partnership with MLB” and are thrilled to create a new experience for baseball fans.

He added: “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.”

Source:

“Major League Baseball and MGM Resorts International Form Wide-Ranging New Partnership in U.S. And Japan”, mgmresorts.com, November 27, 2018.