MLB, T-Mobile Extend, Expand Alliance, Testing Automated Ball-Strike System

By Barry Janoff

Photo: T-MobileApril 6, 2023: Calling it the company’s “biggest deal with MLB to date,” T-Mobile today unveiled a six-year extension with MLB and Little League Baseball and Softball plus a new deal with MiLB that includes “testing the automated ball-strike (ABS) system at select MiLB games this season.”
 
With the new pact, T-Mobile, which has been a partner of MLB since 2013, remains the “official wireless partner of Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and Little League Baseball and Softball” through 2028.

As T-Mobile expands its sponsorship to MiLB, “fans can also expect to see (company brand) magenta in MiLB stadiums across the country this summer,” according to the company.

The extension coincides with the 2023 MLB All-Star Game and events planned for this July in Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, home for the Mariners.

Financial terms of the extension were not shared.

“T-Mobile and MLB are embarking on a six-year journey to deliver breakthrough fan experiences, and it’s all thanks to our leading 5G network,” Mike Sievert, T-Mobile CEO, said via the company.

“We’re enhancing the game on and off the field to give fans across the country even more ways to enjoy the game we all love — on top of showing our customers love with free MLB.TV.”

As part of the extension, T-Mobile said beginning with the 2024 MLB season it would continue to offer customers free MLB.TV subscriptions via T-Mobile Tuesdays through 2028. (Details here.)

T-Mobile also said it would work with MLB to test the ABS system over a T-Mobile 5G Private Mobile Network at select MiLB games throughout the 2023 season.

The ABS system has seen a trial run at some MiLB games, but this would be a more extensive test that could bring the platform closer to MLB games.

“Real-time ABS data and video will be transmitted securely to help prevent signal interference via devices and the ABS application, all powered by T-Mobile 5G,” according to MLB and T-Mobile.

“This will help ensure ultra-reliable, low-latency communications as players and officials review, challenge and analyze calls.”

In July, T-Mobile will continue its title sponsorship of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby during All-Star Week and “continue to enable new experiences for fans watching at home during the T-Mobile 5G BP broadcast in partnership with MLB Network.”

The T-Mobile 5G BP broadcast will also activate during MLB’s post-season.

T-Mobile said it would continue to serve Little League Baseball and Softball communities across the country, including T-Mobile becoming presenting sponsor for the Little League Baseball World Series, scheduled for Aug. 16-27 in Williamsport, PA (ESPN).

T-Mobile will also continue the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant Program.

Since partnering with Little League in 2019, T-Mobile said the platform “has provided millions of dollars in financial support and equipment donations, including $4.5M to the grant program, affording nearly 50,000 Little Leaguers the chance to play.”

“We are thrilled to continue our amazing partnership with T-Mobile and look forward to many more years of supporting our local leagues and most importantly, our players,” Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League svp/CMO, said via the organization.

“Over the past four years, T-Mobile has continued to create meaningful impact with Little League, supporting players and their families directly with registration fee grants, equipment donations, local sponsorship, and exciting competition like the T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Little League program and the focus on creating direct impact in the communities we collectively serve.”

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