JioStar Renews Broadcast Deal as Major League Baseball Strengthens India Strategy
MLB Partners with Suryakumar Yadav to Accelerate Baseball’s Growth in India
Mumbai
Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced a strategic partnership with Indian cricket star and T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) as part of its efforts to expand baseball’s footprint in India. The league has also renewed its media rights agreement with JioStar, ensuring continued live coverage of MLB games and exclusive content for Indian audiences across television and digital platforms.
As MLB’s official ambassador in India, Suryakumar Yadav will collaborate with the league on fan engagement campaigns, original digital content, and marquee events aimed at introducing baseball to a wider Indian audience. His role will include highlighting the shared sporting spirit between cricket and baseball while inspiring young fans to explore the game.
MLB Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Events Jeremiah Yolkut said India represents one of the world’s most vibrant sporting markets and the partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, coupled with the renewed alliance with JioStar, provides a strong platform to deepen baseball’s presence in the country. He noted that Yadav’s popularity and ability to connect with millions of sports enthusiasts make him an ideal ambassador for the sport.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Suryakumar Yadav said sport has the unique ability to unite people across cultures and geographies. He added that he is excited to be part of MLB’s journey in India, looks forward to learning more about baseball himself, and hopes to help Indian fans experience the excitement and culture of the game.
As part of the collaboration, Yadav will participate in several MLB initiatives in India and the United States, including the MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia from July 10-14. He will also work with MLB on exclusive content and fan engagement programmes designed to bring the sport closer to Indian audiences.
The announcement follows MLB’s strategic partnership with RISE Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries, to promote baseball in India. Alongside this, JioStar will continue as MLB’s official broadcast partner in the country, airing marquee events including the MLB All-Star Game, select regular-season fixtures, the Postseason, and the World Series across its television and digital platforms.
The combined reach of RISE Worldwide and JioStar is expected to provide MLB with access to one of India’s largest sports and entertainment ecosystems, supporting the league’s long-term plans to grow baseball through media, live events, grassroots engagement, and year-round programming.
