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The Cuban regime, through the state-owned company Cubadeportes S.A., launched an ambitious sponsorship campaign for the 64th National Baseball Series (SNB), offering advertising spaces to interested companies for amounts reaching 71 million Cuban pesos (CUP).
The proposal aims to engage national and foreign brands interested in partnering with the country's main sporting event, presenting sponsorship as an opportunity to "connect with the passion that drives Cuba" and "be part of something bigger than just a game."
"The National Baseball Series is not just a tournament; it is the heartbeat of a nation's sports and culture. We invite you to be part of this story by associating your brand with one of the most authentic and exciting sports traditions in the world," states the official document of Cubadeportes S.A.
The sponsorship plan includes four levels with different benefits and prices ranging from $24,300 to $140,000.
The Bronze sponsor starts at an amount of 13,125,000 CUP (≈ 24,300 USD); the Silver sponsor at 24,375,000 CUP (≈ 50,800 USD); the Diamond at 56,250,000 CUP (≈ 117,000 USD), and the Gold sponsor requires an investment of 71,250,000 CUP (≈ 148,000 USD).
Each category grants different levels of visibility and privileges, such as the display of logos in stadiums, television broadcasts, and digital platforms, presence in interviews and press conferences, as well as access to preferential spaces during games.
According to the promotional material, the sponsorship guarantees "national and international visibility" through Cuban media and global sports platforms.
In addition, it promises a “measurable return on investment” thanks to increased brand recognition and potential sales linked to themed campaigns.
It also highlights the component of "social responsibility," presenting sponsorship as a contribution to the development of Cuban sports and to the "dreams of new generations of baseball players."
Sports experts criticized the high prices of the program and the precarious state of Cuban baseball today.
"I received the new invention from the FCB in Havana. Millions in 'diamond sponsorships' and yet the players are without resources and the stadiums are falling apart. A tremendous business... for them, of course," posted sports journalist Yordano Carmona on X.
The million-dollar figures contrast sharply with the severe economic crisis facing the Island, where blackouts, fuel shortages, and low wages have even affected the development of the Serie Nacional itself.
Since its start in August, the current season of the SNB has faced match cancellations due to lack of transportation, heavy rains, and epidemiological outbreaks among the players.
Additionally, the frequent blackouts have impacted television broadcasts and public attendance.
Despite this, Cubadeportes S.A. emphasizes the importance of the event as "the cultural and sporting heartbeat of the nation," and offers a 20% discount to national companies that formalize contracts before November 13th.
The attempt to monetize the national passion for baseball reflects the regime's efforts to find new sources of income while the country remains mired in an unprecedented economic crisis.
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