The partnership will include a large sign above the Shea Bridge at Citi Field.new york mets; new balance
New York Mets mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met are getting branded footwear for the first time as part of a large-scale sponsorship between the club and New Balance.
The Boston-based footwear and apparel company has signed a long-term agreement with the club that will include a large sign above the Shea Bridge at Citi Field, external signage outside the ballpark, and New Balance-branded uniforms for many event day staffing groups. And the popular Mets mascots will get customized New Balance shoes as part of their costumes.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but both sides branded it a “landmark” agreement. Sources said the deal is for more than five years and represents one of the Mets’ largest sponsorships outside of the team’s ballpark naming-rights agreement with Citigroup.
The deal follows existing MLB club agreements New Balance holds with the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers and signals an intent by the company to deepen its presence in the nation’s largest media market.
“New York is a very important market for everyone in our industry,” said Bruce Schilling, New Balance general manager of sports marketing. “We have relationships with the New York Road Runners and U.S. Open and a retail store in lower Manhattan that does very well. But this is a big opportunity to advance our footprint in New York.
“But even more, we came upon a partner here that was willing to work with us and try to do things that haven’t been done, which was so refreshing and fun. This is so much more than just buying signage,” Schilling said.
The Mets-New Balance agreement has been in development for roughly a year, and the company negotiated without the aid of an outside agency.
Other assets in the deal include New Balance signage at the club’s spring training facility in Florida, Mets Academy in the Dominican Republic, and a presenting sponsorship of the Mets Future Stars Program.
New Balance already holds player sponsorships with several Mets players including outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and shortstop Amed Rosario, and the new Mets deal will allow the brand to use club marks in marketing with those players.
“Like the Mets, New Balance has a very loyal fan base, and we are proud to work with them in a variety of ways that implement marketing and community programs at Citi Field and the New York region,” said Lou DePaoli, Mets executive vice president and chief revenue officer.
