NE SPORTS BUREAU
MUMBAI, MAY 20
In a major boost to India’s rapidly evolving sports entertainment landscape, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced a strategic partnership with RISE Worldwide, the sports and entertainment arm backed by Reliance Industries Limited, to aggressively expand the footprint of baseball across India.
- Major League Baseball partners with RISE Worldwide to accelerate baseball’s growth in India
- Collaboration to focus on fan engagement, digital content, grassroots development and a major live baseball event in Mumbai in October 2026
- Partnership strengthens MLB’s international expansion strategy and targets India’s fast-growing young sports audience
- Reliance-backed sports venture expected to boost baseball awareness and commercial opportunities across the Indian sports ecosystem
The partnership is set to combine MLB’s global sporting legacy with RISE Worldwide’s deep expertise in sports marketing, fan engagement and entertainment ecosystems, creating a new chapter for baseball in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports markets.
Mumbai to Host Landmark Baseball Event
As part of the collaboration, MLB and RISE Worldwide will jointly deliver a marquee live baseball event in Mumbai in October 2026 aimed at bringing the excitement, culture and spectacle of professional baseball directly to Indian audiences.
The initiative will also include:
- Fan engagement activities
- Social media campaigns
- India-focused digital content
- Commercial partnerships
- Grassroots development programmes
Industry observers believe the partnership could significantly accelerate awareness and participation in baseball among India’s younger demographic.
MLB Deepens India Expansion Strategy
The collaboration marks another major step in MLB’s long-term international expansion plans and underlines India’s increasing importance in the global sports economy.
Since establishing its office in New Delhi in 2019, MLB has steadily expanded its Indian presence through initiatives such as:
- MLB First Pitch school programmes
- Youth competitions including MLB Cup
- Broadcasts of MLB Postseason matches
- India-focused original content like Indian Baseball Dreams
These efforts have helped introduce baseball to newer audiences while gradually building a grassroots ecosystem for the sport.
“A Key Milestone in MLB’s International Growth”
Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media at MLB, described the partnership as a significant strategic move.
“This partnership is a key milestone in MLB’s international growth strategy. Working with RISE will allow us to introduce the excitement of baseball to even wider audiences while strengthening cultural connections through sport.”
The statement reflects MLB’s growing focus on tapping emerging sports markets beyond its traditional strongholds.
RISE Worldwide Eyes New Sports Opportunity
For RISE Worldwide, the collaboration adds another major global sporting property to its expanding portfolio.
Nikhil Bardia, Head of RISE Worldwide, said India’s sports market presents ideal conditions for baseball’s expansion.
“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.”
The partnership is expected to leverage RISE’s expertise in sports marketing, media rights, event management and athlete engagement to create deeper audience connect for baseball in India.
Baseball’s India Ambition Gains Momentum
The announcement comes at a time when India’s sports ecosystem is rapidly diversifying beyond cricket, with growing interest in global sporting formats and entertainment-driven fan experiences.
Experts say MLB’s partnership with RISE could pave the way for:
- Increased grassroots participation
- Future baseball academies and training initiatives
- Sponsorship and media opportunities
- Expansion of international sporting events in India
Fresh off the success of the recent World Baseball Classic, MLB now appears poised to make a serious long-term investment in India’s sports future.
