MLB Strikes Cryptocurrency Partnership with FTX
June 23, 2021 FTX.US, U.S. based cryptocurrency exchange, announced a global partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) in an effort to boost global awareness for cryptocurrencies.
This historic partnership makes FTX the official crypto exchange brand of MLB - and makes MLB the first major North American sports league to officially partner with a cryptocurrency exchange.
“It’s an honor for FTX to be the first cryptocurrency exchange to be associated with the history and tradition of America’s national pastime.” - Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX CEO and Founder.
What we know about the FTX MLB agreement
FTX has secured worldwide marketing rights to MLB. Fans can expect to see FTX branding on nationally broadcast MLB games, MLB.com and video streaming services.
Starting with the MLB All-Star Game on July 13, 2021, all umpires will wear the FTX.US logo on their sleeves during games, making it the league's first umpire uniform patch partner.
Colormatics produced the 15 second spot for the umpire patch reveal.
During nationally broadcasted MLB games, MLB.com, MLB Network, and MLB.TV will advertise FTX. The agreement also gives FTX rights to broadcast player highlights in its programming.
To further promote their sponsorship with MLB, FTX launched a Pick ‘Em sweepstakes. Fans who predict which player will hit the longest moon blast during the 2021 season will be entered to win $100,000 in bitcoin or cash!
What does a sponsorship deal like this cost?
While the terms of the MLB license weren't released, it is known that FTX signed a $210 million naming rights deal with TSM, as well as a $135 million naming rights agreement for the Miami Heat's arena, which has been known as FTX Arena as of June 2021.
Why MLB? Baseball fans are early crypto adopters
“Our fans have been early adopters in using new technologies to engage with our game. We cannot wait to start collaborating with Sam and the entire FTX team,” said MLB chief revenue officer Noah Garden
Players and managers frequently discuss Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the clubhouse, according to Aaron Boone, manager of the New York Yankees. Boone revealed in a Fox Business interview that many on his staff have invested, and he has "dabbled a little bit" himself.
The San Diego Padres were the first professional baseball team in North America to announce their official launch of a cryptocurrency-based loyalty program, with the equivalent of 1.6 percent of fan base rewards earned through digital currency, pending on how many tokens were purchased by fans. Learn more about the sports fan buyer persona.
The Los Angeles Dodgers extended a free Justin Turner NFT to their fans in 2021, allowing them to collect the commemorative item simply by voting for him on the All-Star Game ballot and sharing it on social media. Learn about who buys NFT's.
Final Thoughts
The agreement with MLB appears set to increase awareness of cryptocurrencies beyond baseball fans and into North America's largest sports audience. Major League Baseball has a greater fan base than all other professional sports leagues combined, so the FTX MLB deal looks to be a positive move for cryptocurrency adoption. Learn more about advertising for crypto companies.
