Major League Baseball‘s annual spring training recently began, and with a new baseball season on the horizon, one of the MLB’s top players is finding a new way to reach his fans. Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers has employed the Viral Nation Creator Studio to launch a new YouTube channel.
Betts’ channel will provide off-the-diamond updates to complement his on-field play. The former MVP will take to YouTube to document his career, home life, philanthropic work, and bowling obsession. “We have a lot more content coming,” Betts said in a channel trailer. “It’s gonna be a lot, being in the life of Mookie Betts, so I’m super excited to show you guys.”
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The new YouTube channel was born out of a partnership between Betts, his media company One Marketing Group, his representation at UTA, and the team at Viral Nation. The creator-focused marketing and tech company launched a sports marketing division, and it has turned to its Creator Studio to help star athletes expand their reach.
In addition to Betts, Viral Nation also works with Seattle Mariners slugger Julio Rodriguez. Outside the baseball world, Viral Nation’s high-profile partners include Olympic sprinter Sydney McLaughlin and NFL star Tyreek Hill.
“Viral Nation Creator Studio offers brands and talent bespoke creative strategy and production services that meet fans’ desire to get unprecedented access to the lives of their favorite celebrities and athletes,” said Viral Nation Talent’s Head of Creator Studio, Dylan Scance, in a statement. “At the same time, these stars get to control their own narrative and own their content – at a speed and quality that is a win-win for everyone. The entire process is empowering for both our clients and for their fans.”
Betts, who is arriving on YouTube about a month before the MLB’s Opening Day, said that he wants to use his new channel to share his experiences on a “human level.” Athletes who double as influencers are common in other pro sports leagues, especially the NBA, but Betts’ turn as a creator can bring some star power to a sport that desperately needs it.
With his combination of skills and charm, Betts can raise his own profile while championing his chosen sport. He now controls the perfect vehicle for reaching that goal — all he needs to do is grow on YouTube. That’s easier said than done, but luckily for Betts, he plays for the creator economy’s home team. There are thousands of influencers who live within a few miles of Dodger Stadium, so if Betts wants to stand out on YouTube, he would be wise to plot some collabs.
