• Brandweek, Monday, July 2, 2007 10:30 AM

State Farm has inked a deal with Major League Baseball to become the sport's "official insurance company," getting exclusive category rights and title sponsorships for the State Farm "Home Run Derby" and the State Farm "Mascot Home Run Derby" during All-Star Week.

The Home Run Derby has been lacking a sponsor since MLB broke with Century 21 earlier this year. Shown live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and via ESPN Radio, the event will take place on July 9. State Farm will also make "significant media commitments" to national MLB television rights holders.

For every home run that participants hit after their ninth out, MLB and State Farm will donate $17,000 to charity, representing the number of the company's insurance agents in the U.S. and Canada.

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