Major League Baseball (MLB) and T-Mobile today announced a multi-year marketing partnership that makes T-Mobile the official wireless sponsor of MLB. As part of the deal, T-Mobile will “enhance” MLB games with its wireless technology.
The agreement includes T-Mobile providing a new on-field communication system that will use the wireless carrier’s 4G network. Specifically, the tech will be used to provide a wireless voice system between dugouts and bullpens in “select” MLB stadiums. The dugout-to-bullpen system will appear sometime in 2013 and the companies will continue to look for “options for future innovation within the game.
“T-Mobile has made a significant commitment to Major League Baseball across our game and business, and its innovative drive and expertise in wireless technology will be an outstanding addition to the baseball industry,” said Tim Brosnan, executive vice president of business at MLB. “T-Mobile has been an impact player in the wireless industry, and we look forward to its innovative spirit positively influencing the game and the way fans enjoy it.”
In addition to the wireless dugout-to-bullpen system, T-Mobile will provide its subscribers with exclusive MLB content and offers through a collaboration with the MLB.com At Bat mobile app.
“Baseball is America’s No. 1 digitally consumed sport, and today’s baseball fan is technologically savvy and data hungry, which makes this partnership a great opportunity for not only baseball enthusiasts, but also millions of T-Mobile customers,” said Mike Sievert CMO at T-Mobile.