MGM Signs an All-Inclusive, Multi-Year Deal with Major League Baseball

Not long after signing a multi-year deal for data sharing with the National Hockey League MGM Resorts International has announced another deal with an American sports league, the Major League Baseball. Even though MLB has a long history with gambling, they have decided to sign a deal with one of USA’s major casino companies.

MGM issued an official press release last week, revealing that this all-inclusive, multi-year deal will make MGM the Official Gaming Partner, as well as the Official Entertainment Partner of MBL. This way, MGM will be able to promote its gaming options domestically and promote its brands via the MBL’s digital platforms and broadcast.

MGM’s Benefits from This Deal

Thanks to this deal, MGM Resorts International will be able to publicize its playMGM brands across the USA, as well as its many other offerings via the MLB.com domain, the MLB Network and the MLB’s At Bat Mobile app, and in the meantime, they will work with MLB in the joint development of new fan engagement offerings. In addition, MGM will have an access to MLB’s exclusive statistics, which they will use to set the betting lines.

MGM explained that, in addition to attending events such as MLB All-Star Game and annual World Series, they intend to broaden their commitment to baseball through partnership deals with individual franchises.

The partnership will furthermore help MGM’s sports betting operations and domestic digital operations get access to official MLB statistics, although on a non-exclusive basis. MGM will, at the same time, work with the league to protect the integrity of the baseball game both off and on the field, whilst working to improve responsible gaming measures.

MGM’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Murren, described this deal as a ‘historic partnership’, a game-changing moment that will enable both parties to craft a one-of-a-kind baseball fan experience. Combining MGM’s world-class technology and entertainment with MLB’s data will add more to the rapidly changing industry, Murren says, and this deal will even further amplify the GVC joint venture significance, making playMGM and MGM Resorts International the market leader in deals with major pro sports leagues.

The Advantages for MLB

MGM also said that this deal will mean cross-promotion opportunities, in a sense that MLB’s intellectual property will be included in MGM’s advertising and promotional materials.

The Commissioner of Baseball for MLB, Robert Manfred, expressed his pleasure to partner with MGM and detailed that this union will help sponsor grassroots baseball events, such as the travelling MLB Road Show in Japan.

He additionally said that the partnership with MGM will help MLB navigate the evolving space reasonably, and added that the MLB team looks forward to the fan engagement opportunities that await. He says that MGM is a clear leader in the sports gaming area, so MLB looks forward to working with them on providing baseball fans and MGM customers with an innovative baseball experience.

Coincidence or not, the scheduled MLB annual Winter Meetings will take place in an MGM Resorts International property, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.