After last month inking a multi-year data sharing agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL), American casino operator MGM Resorts International has now announced the signing of a similar deal with Major League Baseball (MLB).

Baseball’s official partner:

The Las Vegas-based firm used an official Tuesday press release to reveal that the latest accord is to see it designated as the Official Entertainment Partner of MLB as well as the inaugural Official Gaming Partner of MLB and be given the ability to promote its brands and gaming options domestically via the professional baseball organization’s broadcast and digital platforms.

Cross-promotion opportunities:

As such, MGM Resorts International stated that the new multi-year union will see it publicize its many offerings as well as those of its playMGM brands across the United States via the MLB Network television channel, the MLB At Bat mobile app and the MLB.com domain while moreover working with the league to jointly develop ‘additional fan engagement offerings’.

In return, the Nevada casino giant detailed that MLB intellectual property is to be emblazoned on its own promotional and advertising materials while it also intends to ‘broaden its commitment to baseball’ via the signing of partnerships with individual franchises in addition to having ‘a presence’ at marquee events such as the annual World Series and MLB All-Star Game.

Statistics access:

MGM Resorts International declared that the fresh partnership is to furthermore see its domestic digital and live sportsbetting operations receive access to official MLB statistics on a non-exclusive basis while working with the league ‘to protect the integrity of the game both on and off the field’ all the while endeavoring to improve responsible gaming measures.

Operator hails ‘historic partnership’:

Jim Murren (pictured left), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for MGM Resorts, described the accord with MLB as a ‘historic partnership’ that will see the pair craft a ‘one-of-a-kind fan experience’ for professional baseball.

Murren’s statement read…

“Combining MGM Resorts International’s 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 joint venture, firmly establishing MGM Resorts International and playMGM as the market leader in partnerships with major professional sports leagues.”

Japan commitment:

For his part, Robert Manfred (pictured right), the MLB’s Commissioner of Baseball, proclaimed that he was ‘pleased to partner with MGM Resorts International’ before detailing that the union is to additionally see the casino firm sponsor grassroots baseball events in Japan such as the travelling MLB Road Show extravaganza.

Manfred’s statement read…

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