MLB announces partnership with RISE Worldwide to accelerate Baseball growth in India
Mumbai, May 20
Major League Baseball on Wednesday announced a partnership with RISE Worldwide Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, to support the growth of baseball in India. This collaboration will span marketing, social media, and commercial initiatives and culminate in the joint delivery of a live event in Mumbai in October 2026, aimed at bringing the excitement of baseball closer to Indian fans.
The partnership marks a significant step in MLB's international expansion strategy and reinforces India's growing importance as a key sports market with a young, highly engaged audience, according to a press release.
Since opening its offices in New Delhi in 2019, MLB has been actively developing the game in India through grassroots programs like MLB First Pitch in schools, youth competitions such as the MLB Cup, and broadcasts of the MLB postseason, the release said.
The league has also introduced India-focused original content, such as Indian Baseball Dreams, helping create greater awareness and engagement around the sport.
"This partnership is a key milestone in MLB's international growth strategy," said Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media. "Working with RISE will allow us to introduce the excitement of baseball to even wider audiences while strengthening cultural connections through sport."
Nikhil Bardia, Head of RISE Worldwide, said, "India is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and baseball's global rise makes this a natural moment to bring the sport closer to Indian fans. RISE Worldwide is happy to partner with MLB to create experiences, on the ground and beyond, that make baseball accessible and exciting for audiences across the country."
RISE's experience in sports and media provides unique opportunities to enable even more fans across India to sample baseball, the release said.
"Together, MLB and RISE will deliver engaging experiences, including a local Mumbai event and grassroots initiatives that introduce baseball to new audiences. On the heels of a thrilling World Baseball Classic in March, MLB is excited for this partnership to further globalise the game in India," the release said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up watching American movies with baseball scenes, I'm genuinely curious. But will it compete with cricket? That's a tough ask. The grassroots programs in schools might help, but we need proper infrastructure too.
Good initiative but I wish they'd focus on making cricket more accessible in rural areas first. That said, MLB's grassroots work since 2019 shows they're serious. Let's see how this pans out - more sports options for our youth is always welcome.
We have so many talented athletes who don't get opportunities beyond cricket and kabaddi. Baseball could be a game-changer if they invest in local talent and create leagues. The 'Indian Baseball Dreams' content sounds interesting too!
Another foreign sport trying to enter India with big corporate backing. Hope they don't just do a fancy event in Mumbai and forget about the rest of the country. Need proper coaching, equipment and grounds at affordable rates for it to truly grow.
My nephew plays baseball in his school in Bangalore and loves it! The MLB Cup competitions have been great for kids. With RISE's experience in sports management, this could actually take off. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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