Ripken Baseball has signed a long-term extension of its existing partnership with Under Armour that takes the deal through ’18. In the new term, UA will gain naming rights to The Ripken Experience youth baseball complex in Aberdeen, Md., as well as the Ripken Baseball Virtual Academy. The two companies will also collaborate to present the first annual Under Armour Futures Game of elite 12-year-old baseball players on Aug. 16 prior to the title game of the annual Cal Ripken World Series. “For us, this partnership is sort of a no-brainer given how integral Under Armour has become in the sports experience right from the elite pro down to the youth player,” said Ripken Baseball co-Chair & Founder Cal Ripken Jr. "My dad was sort of an old-school instructor but (brother and Ripken Baseball co-Chair) Billy and I are continuing to look at ways to expand and new ways to use technology, and these guys are the perfect brand to align with.” Financial terms for the new deal were not disclosed. The new assets will include The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour, the Ripken Baseball Virtual Academy Powered by Under Armour, and the Under Armour Futures Game. “Working with Ripken Baseball has given a really great grassroots platform and an association with a name that’s synonymous with baseball,” said UA Exec VP/Global Marketing Matt Mirchin. “This really a situation where one plus one equals three. This extension did not require a lengthy negotiation.”
