Hankook Tire to Become ‘Official Tire of Major League Baseball’

Hankook Tire and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a new multi-year sponsorship that names Hankook Tire the Official Tire of MLB. L-R: MLB Network Analyst Harold Reynolds, MLB Executive Vice President of Commerce Noah Garden, President of Hankook Tire America Corp. Hosung Suh, Senior Sales Director of Hankook Tire America Corp. Jim Sicking, and MLB Senior Vice President of Sponsorship Sales Bill Morningstar. (PRNewsfoto/Hankook Tire America Corp.)

With the 2018 Major League Baseball season so close that you can taste the ballpark dogs and peanuts, the league and Hankook Tire have struck a deal to make the premium tire maker the Official Tire of MLB in the United States and Korea.

As part of the new multi-year partnership, Hankook Tire will be showcased across Baseball’s media assets including MLB Network, digital platforms such as MLB.com & social media, and MLB ballparks during Jewel Events like the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard and Postseason.

“Hankook Tire brings a real passion for baseball and a comprehensive vision to their marketing around our league, teams, and players in the U.S. and beyond,” said Noah Garden, MLB Executive Vice President, Commerce. “As MLB continues to grow our international activities and events, Hankook Tire demonstrates a new model for MLB partners to be able to achieve their goals of reaching millions of baseball fans not only in the U.S. but around the world.”

Hankook Tire will also utilize MLB marks in marketing activities, giveaways, consumer promotions, and events.

For those who want to see less of the big red YouTube logo behind the batter during the World Series this year, the partnership gives Hankook Tire virtual advertisement spots behind home plate in national broadcasts during Postseason games including the League Championship Series and World Series presented by YouTube TV.

MLB’s partnerships team has been on a tear since January adding Hankook Tire to a stable of partners that include the likes of Barbasol, Kingsford, Mitel, Netspend, Snapple, and Supercuts that have all signed on since 2018 began.

“Hankook Tire is proud to serve as the official tire of Major League Baseball,” said Hankook Tire America Corp. President Hosung Suh. “As Hankook Tire rapidly grows its presence in the American market, we are honored to connect with America’s favorite tradition – the dynamic game of baseball.”