THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
MUMBAI,
MAY 20, 2026
Major League Baseball
(MLB) on Wednesday announced a partnership with RISE Worldwide, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, to accelerate the growth of baseball
in India. The collaboration will span marketing, social media and commercial
initiatives, culminating 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 and highly
engaged audience. Since opening its offices in New Delhi in 2019, MLB has been
actively promoting the game in India through grassroots programmes like MLB
First Pitch in schools, youth competitions such as the MLB Cup, and broadcasts
of the MLB Postseason. 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 delighted to partner with MLB to
create experiences, both on the ground and beyond, that make baseball
accessible and exciting for audiences across the country.”
RISE’s expertise in
sports and media offers unique opportunities to help more fans across India
experience baseball. Together, MLB and RISE will deliver engaging experiences,
including a local Mumbai event and grassroots initiatives designed to introduce
the sport to new audiences. Riding on the momentum of a thrilling World
Baseball Classic in March, MLB is optimistic that this partnership will further
strengthen the game’s footprint in India.
