SPONSOR INSIGHTS
Partnership Reports
Breaking Into MLB Sponsorships: How Brands Can Win Below the Average Deal Size
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Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to offer a robust sponsorship landscape, with 2,271 brands activating assets across the teams in 2024. The median spend per brand stands at $471K, while the average deal size reaches $519K, signaling a wide variance in sponsorship investments. These figures highlight not only the scale of brand engagement in MLB but also the flexibility for companies to enter at different price points. Understanding this landscape is critical for brands looking to align their marketing spend with measurable returns in a highly visible environment.
Despite the high average deal size, nearly 77% of sponsorships fall below the $519K threshold, demonstrating a market that remains accessible for brands with varying budgets. The fact that only 23.4% of deals are at or above this average indicates that while premium partnerships exist, MLB sponsorships are not solely reserved for deep-pocketed corporations.
This distribution presents a strategic opportunity: brands can enter the MLB sponsorship space without requiring top-tier investment, using targeted assets to drive brand awareness and establish credibility in a competitive market. Stadium signage ensures visibility to millions of fans both in-person and through televised broadcasts, while digital activations extend reach beyond the ballpark, engaging consumers across social media and streaming platforms. Community-driven initiatives, such as youth programs or local partnerships, allow brands to build authentic connections with fans and enhance their reputation. By strategically leveraging these assets, companies can maximize exposure, foster loyalty, and position themselves as industry leaders—all without overspending.
For brands assessing the value of an MLB sponsorship, these insights offer a roadmap. A data-driven approach—aligning sponsorship spend with audience engagement, category exclusivity, and asset utilization—can help companies optimize their investment. As the sponsorship market evolves, brands that leverage the flexibility within MLB’s ecosystem will be best positioned to build long-term equity, enhance consumer connection, and drive business outcomes. The key is not just securing a deal, but structuring it intelligently to capture value in an increasingly competitive landscape.