Major League Baseball franchise the Kansas City Royals has announced a number of sponsorship deals for the 2017 season, while rival team the Chicago White Sox has agreed partnerships with four local breweries for the new campaign.
Asset manager American Century Investments will sponsor the Royals Impact Play of the Game initiative, which recognises a pivotal moment during home games. The company’s branding will also be present in the outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals' home ballpark.
GreatLife Golf will sponsor Kansas City’s largest golfing charity event, while Japanese automotive manufacturer Lexus will be a title sponsor for the space featuring car displays and events throughout the season.
Other new partnerships have been signed with McDonald's, Price Chopper, Sun Life Financial and Unilever.
The Boulevard brewery, a partner of the Royals since 2012, has expanded its partnership with the franchise to become its official craft beer partner.
The team has also extended deals with Miller Lite, Blue Moon, KC Steak, Metropolitan Community College, Papa John's, Spectrum, Sweet Baby Ray’s and Teva.
Meanwhile, the White Sox has agreed sponsorship deals with four local breweries.
These include Goose Island Beer Company in Chicago; Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Each brewery will be featured in a new in-game promotion called 'Beer of the Homestand' throughout the season. The brands will also receive prominent in-park exposure through a branded interactive kiosk, presence on the digital LED ribbon boards throughout the ballpark and logo display in the Craft Kave located near the right field bullpen.