On Tuesday, Major League Baseball became the third U.S. major sports league to announce a partnership with MGM Resorts International, allowing the sports betting operator to use MLB licenses and game data across all of its platforms.
MLB becomes the most recent major sports league to partner with MGM. The NBA made a deal with MGM in June and the NHL followed suit in October.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and MGM Resorts chairman and CEO Jim Murren announced the partnership during a joint press conference at MLB headquarters in New York City, NY.
The deal is the first sports betting partnership in MLB history and makes MGM its official gaming and entertainment partner.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The commissioner of baseball said he believes public opinion on sports betting has changed and the partnership will both preserves the integrity of the game and give fans a new way to experience baseball.
“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,” said Manfred. “Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan-engagement opportunities ahead.”
As part of the deal, MGM will be identified as an “MLB-Authorized Gaming Operator” and have permission to use MLB’s official statistics feed on its digital and live domestic sports betting platforms.
The MLB partnership is non-exclusive, meaning other sports betting operators could agree to similar terms. However, the league will “make enhanced statistics available to MGM on an exclusive basis.”
In addition, MGM and MLB announced they will work together to create “comprehensive responsible gaming measures” and protect the integrity of the game on and off the field.
“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,” said Murren. “Combining MGM Resorts’ world-class entertainment and technology with MLB data will continue to transform a rapidly changing industry.”
Murren added: “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.”
Intellectual property of the MLB will be allowed to appear on any MGM advertising and promotions, and MGM will be able to promote its brand and offerings across all MLB digital and broadcast platforms.
The partnership extends to the international baseball market as well with MLB allowing MGM to promote its brand to Japan at grassroots baseball events.