A lucrative partnership has been signed between Major League Baseball (MLB) and MGM Resorts International. The deal was announced by MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred. MGM will become the MLB’s first official gaming and entertainment partner. MGM will use the MLB’s official statistics feed and enjoy stats exclusivity in return. MLB’s logo and other intellectual property will be used in MGM advertising.
In a press release announcing the partnership, Manfred 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. Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan engagement opportunities ahead.”
Manfred said that there has been a big change in public opinion and the legal framework surrounding sports gaming, presenting an opportunity for all those in sports – and baseball in particular. MLB research supports the idea that sports gaming is an important source of fan engagement. “We operate in a competitive environment and we have to take advantage of every opportunity to drive engagement by our fans,” he said.
The MLB/MGM partnership is just the latest in recent deals signed by major sports leagues and gambling operators. These are as a result of the US Supreme Court striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 in May this year.
