Major League Baseball (MLB) named MGM Resorts International as an official gaming partner at a press event on Tuesday.
This multi-year deal marks the first-ever partnership between the MLB and a gambling company.
This partnership will combine both the MLB and MGM brands and allow for league and team sponsorship, the use of official league data and promotion for MGM across MLB’s media platform.
There are two types of official league data that MGM will have access to through this partnership.
MGM will have access to the live data feed which is not exclusive, but MGM will be the only operator to be granted access to the leagues “enhanced statistics.”
Robert Manfred, MLB Commissioner said: “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.
This partnership will also extend to MLB operations in Japan making MGM an official partner at MLB events like the MLB Road Show.
The MLB Road Show is an interactive fan experience that tours across Japan, celebrating the MLB and its history.
This puts MGM in a strong starting position in the Japan sports betting market as the company is currently working on the construction of a casino resort in the country.
Jim Murren, MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO said: “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.
“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.”
This partnership may be the first of its kind for MLB but for MGM this marks the third partnership with a major sports league.
In July MGM became the official gaming partner of the NBA and Last month MGM became the official gaming partner of the NHL.
