Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser and Major League Baseball Extend Decades-Long Partnership
Building on 45 years of collaboration, the extension expands Anheuser-Busch’s presence as MLB’s Official American Beer Sponsor and an Official Vodka and Tequila Canned Cocktail Sponsor of Major League Baseball
Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer, the nation’s top brewer and one of the fastest-growing spirits companies, today announced an extension of its long-term Major League Baseball (MLB) sponsorship.
The decades-long partnership, which began in 1980, will extend through 2032 and continue showcasing Budweiser as the Official American Beer Sponsor of MLB, while adding non-exclusive advertising rights to Anheuser-Busch brands Cutwater and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, two of the fastest growing brands in the industry that are leading and growing the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol beverage category.
Kyle Norrington, Chief Commercial Officer at Anheuser-Busch, said: “This extended partnership unlocks the power of our portfolio as we expand our marketing efforts to include our fast-growing RTD spirits portfolio alongside Budweiser, a brand synonymous with Major League Baseball. Our relationship continues to be one of the most authentic and impactful sponsorships in sports and in 2026 we’ll celebrate two major milestones together - 150 years of Budweiser and America’s 250 th birthday. We could not think of a better way to lead off those celebrations than expanding Anheuser-Busch’s sponsorship of America’s favorite pastime.”
Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships, said: “Anheuser-Busch is one of Baseball’s longest-tenured and most iconic business partners. With the continued excitement around our game, the upcoming World Baseball Classic and a historic anniversary celebration of the country, there feels like no better time to expand and extend our relationship. We’re thrilled to continue working together ahead of this landmark season and beyond.”
This extended sponsorship will allow Anheuser-Busch to continue its commitment to bringing 21+ baseball fans closer to iconic teams, powerhouse players and exciting in-game moments all season. Elements of the sponsorship include:
· MLB.TV Streaming Integrations that highlight Anheuser-Busch’s portfolio of brands in virtual signage during the 1 st and 2 nd innings of MLB.TV streams on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
· New Digital Engagement Platforms that will showcase Budweiser initiatives across MLB’s owned and operated media channels including MLB.com and the award-winning MLB Network. Budweiser will also be prominently featured during broadcasts of the League Championship Series and World Series.
· Social & Digital Media throughout the entirety of the baseball season, with an emphasis on the summer.
· Partnership on the World Baseball Classic as the tournament’s American Beer Sponsor during the international event that includes games in Houston and Miami. Few things go better together than baseball and Budweiser, so with US marketing rights to the tournament, the brand will be giving away World Baseball Classic tickets to fans across the country on social media so they can experience this once-in-a-lifetime event featuring the best players in the game. The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will also be appearing at select games.
· Exposure at MLB Jewel Events & League Owned Exposure at MLB Jewel Events & League Owned Special Events (MLB at Field of Dreams, All-Star Week and Postseason) featuring In-Game Signage, potential appearances by the Iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, on-site fan activations, VIP sweepstakes experiences and more.
· Collective Use of Athletes & Player Endorsements in partnership with MLB Players Inc. to be utilized across trade materials. Anheuser-Busch can also showcase athletes across various MLB Clubs.
Anheuser-Busch’s sponsorship with Major League Baseball showcases its commitment to building winning brands that consumers love and spotlighting them alongside the organizations they care about. Anheuser-Busch brands will be a part of the action as they are embedded within content on display throughout the MLB season, including key moments throughout the summer calendar.
Budweiser is Major League Baseball’s longest-tenured corporate sponsor and has been a fixture in the sport’s traditions and gameday experiences for 21+ baseball fans for decades. The brand is proud to also serve as a sponsor of 17 Clubs across the league. Since its founding in 1876, Budweiser’s history has been deeply intertwined with America’s, brewing its beer in the U.S. to create a great tasting, high-quality American classic lager. Baseball fans can taste Budweiser’s unwavering commitment to quality with every sip.
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ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.
We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB has achieved three straight years of total attendance gains for the first time in 18 years and remains the best-attended sports league in the world. Since 2023, historic rule changes have improved the quality of play on the field, emphasizing speed and athleticism at a better pace. In 2025, MLB had its third straight season clocking in with an average game time of 2:40 or below for the first time in 40 years. Viewership of MLB games nationally, locally, on MLB.TV and in Canada and Japan all increased over last year, with most platforms achieving double-digit percentage increases. Game Seven of the thrilling 2025 World Series presented by Capital One averaged 51.0 million viewers combined across the United States, Canada, and Japan, making the 11-inning contest the most-watched MLB game in 34 years, dating back to Game Seven of the 1991 World Series. MLB.TV set another consumption record this season with 19.4 billion minutes watched, an increase of +34% over last year. The MLB App registered its most-trafficked season ever with daily traffic increasing by +18% over 2024. As the league expanded its marketing efforts and promotion of star players like reigning Most Valuable Players Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, MLB has significantly increased its younger fan base as evidenced through viewership, social media, ticket purchasing, and participation metrics. Through its MLB Together social responsibility efforts, MLB remains committed to making a positive impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world. With the continued success of MLB Network, MLB digital platforms, international events, and local media production and distribution, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America’s National Pastime and a truly global game. To learn more about MLB, please visit mlb.com.
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