THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

MUMBAI, JULY 8, 2026

Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken a significant step towards expanding its footprint in India by partnering with Indian cricket superstar and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) as its official ambassador. The league also announced the renewal of its broadcast partnership with JioStar, ensuring wider access to live MLB action and exclusive baseball content for Indian fans.

The twin announcements underline MLB's long-term commitment to growing baseball in one of the world's largest and most vibrant sporting markets. By joining hands with one of India's most celebrated cricketers and strengthening its media presence through JioStar, the league aims to introduce baseball to millions of new fans across the country.

Renowned for his fearless and innovative batting, Suryakumar has emerged as one of the biggest icons of modern T20 cricket. Through the partnership, he will collaborate with MLB on fan engagement initiatives, original digital content and marquee events, helping bridge the worlds of cricket and baseball. He is exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide.

 

"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," said Jeremiah Yolkut, Major League Baseball, Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Events. "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."

Speaking about the partnership, Suryakumar Yadav said, “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 participate in several MLB events in both India and the United States, including the prestigious MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia from July 10 to 14. He will also feature in original content and fan engagement campaigns designed to highlight the shared spirit of cricket and baseball while introducing America's national pastime to Indian audiences.

The announcement also follows MLB's strategic partnership with RISE Worldwide Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, to accelerate the growth of baseball in India.

In another major boost for the sport, MLB has extended its media rights agreement with JioStar, which will continue as the league's official broadcast partner in India across television and digital platforms. Indian viewers will have access to marquee events, including the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, select regular-season fixtures, the Postseason and the World Series.

With the combined reach of RISE Worldwide and JioStar, MLB is set to leverage one of India's largest sports and entertainment ecosystems, opening new avenues for fan engagement through live coverage, digital content and immersive experiences.

The latest partnerships mark another milestone in MLB's expanding India strategy, reinforcing its commitment to making baseball more accessible and engaging for sports enthusiasts across the country.