Ford has entered a broad sponsorship deal with Major League Baseball just ahead Opening Day.Major League Baseball/FordAhead of Opening Day for Major League Baseball, Ford Motor Company has reached a multi-year sponsorship deal that extends beyond MLB to other leagues and key jewel events coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary.The five-year deal will see Ford become the Official Automotive Partner of Major League Baseball.Larger still, the partnership will see rights across Minor League Baseball, Little League Baseball, and Softball. That will activate through local Ford dealerships reaching communities across the country, including youth clinics, and equipment donations.A key piece tied to America’s 250th anniversary, Ford will be the presenting sponsor of games on the 4th of July. While not presenting sponsor for these jewel events, Ford plans initiatives for fan experiences and sweepstakes tied to the All-Star Game and World Series.Included is the Drive Them Home Sweepstakes where entrants can win tickets to the All-Star Game, along with a chance to drive home a 2026 F150 Lariat with available PowerBoost Hybrid V6 engine, a 2026 Expedition Platinum SUV, or a 2026 Bronco Badlands SUV.MLB branded Ford F150Major League Baseball/FordMORE FOR YOUThe partnership will be engaged through all media types, including television, online, and via social media.While financial terms were not disclosed, given the scope of the sponsorship deal, it has been deemed significant.“For generations, baseball has brought families and communities together and so has Ford,” said Lisa Materazzo, Ford’s global chief marketing officer. “This partnership is about honoring tradition while putting real capability behind the moments that matter for fans, players, and for the communities that keep the game, and the country, moving forward.”League and club sponsorships continue to grow for Major League Baseball, as rule changes and dramatic playoff baseball have created positive momentum. The Ford deal came about, in part, due to recent years with attendance increases and robust television viewership. The record-setting World Baseball Classic this year will likely slingshot MLB’s upcoming season, slated to start on Thursday. “We have had significant engagement from brands wanting to hear more about ways that they can align with MLB,” said Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB’s Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships, in an exclusive interview with me for Forbes. “Ford is across all three properties that we have, and we have an audience for every partner. If you want to skew older, we have that audience. If you want to skew Gen Z, we have that audience. If you want to skew Gen Alpha, we have that audience.”