Ford Lands Five-Year MLB Official Automotive Partnership, Ending Chevrolet's 20-Year Role
Ford Motor Co. has secured a five-year league-wide partnership as Major League Baseball's official automotive sponsor, starting Opening Day on March 25, replacing Chevrolet after two decades. The deal grants Ford broadcast sponsorships, vehicle displays at MLB and postseason ballparks, and rights in Minor League and Little League programs.
1. Partnership Overview
Ford has been named Major League Baseball's official automotive sponsor for five years, commencing on Opening Day, March 25. This replaces Chevrolet's sponsorship, which had spanned 20 years, marking a major shift in MLB's automotive branding.
2. Sponsorship Activations
Under the agreement, Ford will underwrite official sponsorships during national broadcasts and in-stadium games, display vehicles at select ballparks throughout the season and postseason, and integrate brand activations during marquee events like All-Star week, World Series and July Fourth celebrations.
3. Minor and Little League Engagement
The partnership extends to Minor League Baseball and Little League Baseball and Softball, including the Little League World Series, enabling Ford and local dealers to host youth clinics, community grants and equipment donations to strengthen grassroots ties.
4. Strategic Marketing Impact
Positioning itself as 'America's car company', Ford aims to leverage baseball's cultural significance to boost brand visibility and consumer engagement, aligning with MLB to co-create July Fourth activations such as drive-in movie theater events.