Reliance Industries’ subsidiary, RISE Worldwide, has announced a strategic partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to expand the sport’s presence in India. The collaboration aims to drive growth through marketing, digital content, and grassroots initiatives, culminating in a live event in Mumbai in October 2026. This move aligns with MLB’s international growth strategy and leverages the dynamic sports landscape in India to connect with a younger, highly engaged audience.
Expanding the Game in India
Major League Baseball has officially joined forces with RISE Worldwide to bring the excitement of baseball to new heights within the Indian market. Following its initial entry into India in 2019 with offices in New Delhi, this partnership marks a significant escalation in the league’s efforts to develop the game locally. Through this collaboration, the two entities will focus on marketing initiatives, social media engagement, and the creation of original content, such as Indian Baseball Dreams, to deepen fan connection.
Strategic Live Events and Grassroots Growth
A core component of this partnership is the commitment to deliver on-the-ground experiences. The collaboration will feature grassroots programs similar to MLB First Pitch and youth-focused competitions like the MLB Cup. The initiative is set to reach a major milestone in October 2026 with the delivery of a highly anticipated live event in Mumbai, aimed at providing fans with direct, immersive exposure to the sport.
Corporate Strength and Market Positioning
This initiative is backed by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest private sector company. For the year ended March 31, 2026, RIL reported a consolidated revenue of INR 11,75,919 crore (US$ 124.0 billion) and a net profit of INR 95,754 crore (US$ 10.1 billion). As one of India’s largest independent Sports, Lifestyle, and Entertainment companies, RISE Worldwide brings extensive expertise in event implementation and athlete management to support the global expansion of baseball.
Source: BSE
