Baseball United, the emerging professional baseball league aiming to bring the sport to new markets, has named Roger Duthie as its special adviser for global growth.
Duthie, a seasoned executive with nearly three decades in sports marketing, will guide the league’s expansion into the Middle East and South Asia, regions where the sport has seen rising interest.
A Career Built on Partnerships
Throughout his career, Duthie has cultivated a reputation for securing high‑value sponsorships and forging strategic brand alliances. He spent years at Emirates Airline, where he served as global head of sponsorship, overseeing multi‑million‑dollar deals that linked the airline with major sporting events worldwide.
In 2015, he founded BearFish Sports Marketing, a consultancy that advises rights‑holders on commercial strategy, brand integration and partnership development. The firm has worked with a range of international sports properties, helping them expand their commercial footprint.
Driving Growth in Untapped Markets
Baseball United’s ambition is to establish professional franchises in territories that have traditionally been overlooked by the sport’s major leagues. The organization currently operates four teams: the Mid East Falcons, the Mumbai Cobras, the Karachi Monarchs and the Arabia Wolves. Each franchise represents a gateway to local fan engagement and commercial opportunity.
Duthie’s appointment comes as the league seeks to solidify its business foundation before scaling operations. He will focus on identifying and securing new sponsorship partners, leveraging his extensive network to attract brands eager to associate with baseball’s growing presence in the region.
Beyond commercial work, Duthie has been a vocal advocate for developing grassroots programs. He previously served as president of Dubai Little League, where he championed youth participation and introduced baseball to a new generation of players in the United Arab Emirates.
Industry observers note that Duthie’s blend of corporate experience and grassroots involvement positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between corporate sponsorship and on‑field development. His insights into market entry strategies are expected to accelerate Baseball United’s rollout across Asia and the Middle East.
The league’s leadership expressed confidence that Duthie’s expertise will help translate the sport’s global appeal into tangible revenue streams. As Baseball United prepares for its next phase of expansion, the appointment of a seasoned strategist like Duthie underscores its commitment to building a sustainable, internationally resonant product.