MGM Resorts International now has a set of pinstripes.
The casino company announced on Wednesday a new partnership that makes MGM a “Proud Partner of the New York Yankees,” giving MGM even deeper roots in the Empire State.
“We are excited to partner with MGM Resorts this season,” Michael Tusiani, senior vice president of partnerships with the New York Yankees, said in a statement.
“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.”
Details of MGM partnership with New York Yankees
According to a press release, both MGM and the Yankees will collaborate to create “exclusive VIP experiences” for MGM Rewards members and baseball fans.
That includes chances to take in batting practice from the warning track at Yankee Stadium as well as throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
As part of the deal, the stadium will feature MGM Resorts signage throughout the ballpark, including an MGM logo on the back of the pitcher’s mound during local television broadcasts of select games.
“We remain committed to investing in the community, while collaborating with the New York Yankees to provide unparalleled experiences for baseball fans,” Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts, said in a press release.
“Our company has owned and operated Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway for the past five years. As we continue working to secure a full commercial casino license at Empire City, this partnership allows us to further develop these properties to their potential, while providing the world-class hospitality guests have come to expect from the MGM Resorts brand.”
MGM deepens New York roots with Yankees partnership
MGM – which has been an official gaming partner and official entertainment partner of Major League Baseball since 2018 and an official partner of MLB Players, Inc. since 2022 – boasts one of the top NY sportsbooks in the state in BetMGM Sportsbook NY. It also owns and operates Empire City Casino in Yonkers.
There, MGM will host Yankees-themed fan activities and experiences that will feature MLB players and alumni.
“This alliance with the Yankees allows us to create unique and engaging opportunities for guests and baseball fans alike,” Ed Domingo, president and COO of Empire City, said in a statement.
“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, of course, is one of two downstate racinos considered as a frontrunner to receive a downstate casino license, which could allow MGM to join the New York online casino landscape once lawmakers legalize iGaming.
