MGM Resorts announced a partnership deal with the New York Yankees on Wednesday, centered on its Empire City Casino in Yonkers.
Per the partnership, MGM Resorts will get advertising at both Yankee Stadium (LED, first and third base rotational signage) and on some of the team’s television broadcasts (logo appearing on the back of the pitcher’s mound).
MGM Rewards members will also be eligible for exclusive VIP experiences, including the ability to watch batting practice from the warning track and throw out a ceremonial first pitch in the Bronx.
“We are excited to partner with MGM Resorts this season. Through branding displayed on signage inside Yankee Stadium and integrated into our television broadcasts, the MGM Resorts brand will only see increased exposure and recognition for its resort and casino properties— especially for the nearby Empire City Casino,” Yankees senior VP of partnerships Michael Tusiani said in a statement.
NY casino ambitions for MGM
MGM has long been considered a favorite by experts to receive one of three downstate NY casino licenses.
If successful, it would be able to convert the Empire City video lottery terminal into a full-scale casino.
The full-scale casino would include a BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge. The lounge would feature a 112-foot wraparound LED screen, according to a rendering unveiled last November.
Empire City COO lauds MGM partner
Part of the Yankee partnership includes Empire City hosting team-themed events and current MLB players and alumni.
“This alliance with the Yankees allows us to create unique and engaging opportunities for guests and baseball fans alike. Empire City sits less than two miles from the Bronx border and is not only the gaming entertainment destination of choice for Bronxites, but also the longtime employer of hundreds of team members who call the Bronx home. We are well positioned to significantly increase that number when a full-scale commercial casino license is secured,” Empire City president and COO Ed Domingo said.
Pinstripe sportsbook partnerships
The Yankees have non-exclusive sportsbook partnerships with FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook and bet365. Bally Bet also had a partnership with the Bombers that ended in 2023.
The Yankees are prohibited from opening an in-person sportsbook at Yankee Stadium because of state regulations. Previous attempts to add in-person sportsbooks and betting kiosks to stadiums and arenas in New York have proven unsuccessful.
On the YES Network app, fans can also play a free Pick-N-Play prediction game. It is presumably a precursor to single-screen, live in-game betting.
