Major League Baseball has entered into a multi-year partnership with pizza delivery company Papa John’s.
The agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, names Papa John’s the official pizza of the North American league.
As part of the deal, Papa John’s will develop a marketing campaign that will incorporate MLB’s digital and social media platforms, signature events and the Play Ball youth initiative.
The partnership began yesterday – the opening day of the 2016 MLB season – with the new ‘Papa Slam’ promotion. For every Grand Slam that is hit over the course of the season, fans will receive 40 per cent off any Papa John’s pizza the next day. Both MLB and Papa John’s will advertise the promotion across their respective television, digital and social media channels.
Papa John’s already has a major presence in MLB and serves as the official pizza of the following franchises: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals. It also serves as the founding sponsor of the Papa John’s Youth Baseball Invitational.
“With 21 club deals and involvement in youth baseball, Papa John’s has demonstrated a commitment to baseball and we are delighted they are deepening their involvement with a national MLB partnership,” Bob Bowman, MLB president of business and media, said. “The Papa Slam is a fun opportunity for Papa John’s to provide a desirable fan benefit connected to the Grand Slam, baseball’s most exciting offensive moment.”