- T20 World Cup-winning captain becomes Major League Baseball Ambassador to introduce America’s favourite pastime to millions of Indian sports fans
- Renewed JioStar partnership ensures live MLB games, All-Star Week, Postseason and World Series action reach audiences across television and digital platforms
- MLB banks on SKY’s massive popularity, RISE Worldwide’s sports ecosystem and Reliance-backed collaborations to accelerate baseball’s growth in India
- Fan engagement campaigns, original content, marquee events in India and the US to bridge the sporting worlds of cricket and baseball
- Strategic alliances mark a significant milestone in MLB’s long-term vision to build a vibrant baseball culture in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports markets
NE SPORTS BUREAU
MUMBAI, JULY 10
In a landmark move aimed at accelerating baseball’s footprint in one of the world’s most vibrant sporting nations, Major League Baseball (MLB) has roped in India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) as its official ambassador while simultaneously renewing its broadcast partnership with JioStar, significantly strengthening the league’s presence across the country.
The twin announcements underscore MLB’s ambitious India strategy, combining the influence of one of the nation’s biggest cricketing icons with the expansive reach of India’s leading media and entertainment network to introduce baseball to millions of new fans.
Renowned for redefining modern T20 batting with his fearless and innovative stroke play, Suryakumar Yadav will collaborate with MLB on fan engagement initiatives, original digital content, marquee events and community outreach programmes designed to create meaningful connections between Indian audiences and America’s premier baseball league.
The Mumbai batter, who is exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, will also represent MLB during the prestigious MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia from July 10 to 14, where he will participate in activities showcasing the common threads that unite cricket and baseball beyond simply the bat and ball.
Announcing the partnership, Jeremiah Yolkut, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Events, Major League Baseball, said the league sees enormous potential in India’s rapidly evolving sports landscape.
“India is home to one of the most vibrant sports cultures in the world, and these partnerships allow us to connect with fans in a meaningful way. Suryakumar is one of the most recognized athletes in India, with an ability to connect with millions of fans across the country. Combined with our renewed partnership with JioStar, we are building a powerful foundation to further expand baseball’s reach throughout the country.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about becoming MLB’s ambassador, Suryakumar Yadav said the partnership reflects the unifying power of sport across cultures and continents.
“One of the best things about sport is that it brings people together, no matter where they’re from. I’m excited to partner with Major League Baseball and be part of its journey in India. I look forward to learning more about the game myself and helping more fans discover the energy, excitement and culture that make baseball something else.”
As part of the collaboration, SKY will feature in exclusive MLB content, interactive fan experiences and promotional campaigns in both India and the United States, introducing baseball to newer audiences while highlighting the similarities between two bat-and-ball sports that command passionate global followings.
In another major boost for Indian baseball enthusiasts, MLB has also extended its media rights agreement with JioStar, ensuring uninterrupted live coverage of marquee baseball events across television and digital platforms.
Under the renewed agreement, JioStar will continue as MLB’s official broadcast partner in India, bringing viewers premium baseball action including the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, select regular-season fixtures, the Postseason, and the iconic World Series.
The announcement follows MLB’s strategic alliance with RISE Worldwide Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, to support the long-term growth of baseball in India through grassroots engagement, media outreach and year-round fan development initiatives.
Together, the combined strength of RISE Worldwide and JioStar provides MLB access to one of the world’s largest integrated sports and entertainment ecosystems, opening new avenues for immersive fan experiences, innovative storytelling and expanded live coverage.
The latest agreements reinforce MLB’s commitment to making baseball more accessible across India through sustained investments in media distribution, community engagement and strategic partnerships, laying the foundation for the sport’s next phase of growth in one of the world’s most dynamic sporting markets.
