Reliance Initiative for Sports and Entertainment (RISE) to deliver fan experiences, digital content and Mumbai live event
Mumbai
Major League Baseball today announced a partnership with RISE Worldwide Limited (“RISE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (“Reliance”), to support the growth of baseball in India. This collaboration will span marketing, social media, commercial initiatives, and culminate in the joint delivery of a live event in Mumbai in October 2026, aimed at bringing the excitement of baseball closer to Indian fans.
The partnership marks a significant step in MLB’s international expansion strategy and reinforces India’s growing importance as a key sports market with a young, highly engaged audience. Since opening its offices in New Delhi in 2019, MLB has been actively developing the game in India through grassroots programs like MLB First Pitch in schools, youth competitions such as the MLB Cup, and broadcasts of the MLB Postseason. The league has also introduced India-focused original content such as Indian Baseball Dreams, helping create greater awareness and engagement around the sport.
“This partnership is a key milestone in MLB’s international growth strategy,” said Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media. “Working with RISE will allow us to introduce the excitement of baseball to even wider audiences while strengthening cultural connections through sport.”
Nikhil Bardia, Head of RISE Worldwide, said, “India is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and baseball’s global rise makes this a natural moment to bring the sport closer to Indian fans. RISE Worldwide is happy to partner with MLB to create experiences, on the ground and beyond, that make baseball accessible and exciting for audiences across the country.”
RISE’s experience in sports and media provides unique opportunities to enable even more fans across India to sample baseball. Together, MLB and RISE will deliver engaging experiences, including a local Mumbai event and grassroots initiatives that introduce baseball to new audiences. On the heels of a thrilling World Baseball Classic in March, MLB is excited for this partnership to further globalize the game in India.
About Reliance Industries Limited:
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated revenue of INR 11,75,919 crore (US$ 124.0 billion) and net profit of INR 95,754 crore (US$ 10.1 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2026. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, advanced materials and composites, renewables (solar and hydrogen), retail, digital services and media and entertainment.
Currently ranked 88th, Reliance is the largest private sector company from India to be featured in Fortune’s Global 500 list of ‘World’s Largest Companies’ for 2025. The company stands 45th in the Forbes Global 2000 rankings of ‘World’s Largest Public Companies’ for 2025, the highest among Indian companies. Reliance has been recognized in Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2024, marking the only Indian company to have achieved this honor twice. Website: www.ril.com
About RISE Worldwide Limited:
RISE Worldwide Limited (“RISE”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, is one of India’s largest independent Sports, Lifestyle, and Entertainment company, offering a comprehensive suite of services across Sponsorship Consulting, Athlete Management, Marketing and Media Rights Management, Sports Broadcast Production, Licensing, and Event Implementation.
With a proven track record in managing premier properties in India and internationally – including the Indian Super League (ISL), and Tata Open Maharashtra (South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event) – RISE brings deep expertise across sports and lifestyle. Today, RISE continues to deliver innovative solutions across platforms including Lakmé Fashion Week, Jio Wonderland, The Voice of Fashion, and SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), shaping the future of sports and lifestyle in India. Follow us on https://www.riseworldwide.in/
