Thursday, March 26, 2026

AbbVie named MLB’s official pharmaceutical partner from 2026

AbbVie has announced a multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB). Starting with the 2026 season, AbbVie will be designated the league’s Official Pharmaceutical Partner. The collaboration is built around a national expansion of the “Striking Out Cancer” initiative.

From Chicago to a league-wide program

“Striking Out Cancer” was introduced during the 2025 MLB season through AbbVie’s collaboration with the Chicago Cubs. From 2026, the initiative is set to extend beyond Chicago and run across the league throughout the season and across all markets.

Donation model: $20 per strikeout, capped per season

During the MLB season, AbbVie will donate $20 for every strikeout, up to $1 million per season. The “20” is linked to a figure cited from the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory, stating that 20% of the world’s population will be diagnosed with cancer before age 75.

The program also includes additional donation enhancements around key MLB moments and a special contribution if a perfect game or a no-hitter occurs. MLB records an average of around 40,000 strikeouts per season, creating recurring in-season touchpoints for cancer awareness and advocacy.

Beneficiary: Stand Up To Cancer

Donations will support Stand Up To Cancer, an organization focused on raising awareness and accelerating cancer research.

Activation across MLB media and tentpole events

MLB plans to feature the initiative across its platforms, including MLB Network as well as the league’s digital and social channels. “Striking Out Cancer” is also expected to be highlighted during high-visibility events such as the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, MLB at Field of Dreams, and the MLB Wild Card Series.

The Wild Card Series will be presented by AbbVie beginning with the 2026 Postseason.

What the partners are saying

AbbVie’s Tracie Haas, senior vice president of corporate affairs, said the league-wide expansion is intended to encourage conversations on awareness and action, and to reinforce AbbVie’s commitment to patients, families, and communities.

MLB’s April Brown, senior vice president of social responsibility, pointed to the potential of sports-driven advocacy and said each strikeout can become another opportunity to support the fight against a disease that affects many lives.

Stand Up To Cancer co-founder Rusty Robertson thanked AbbVie for naming the organization as the beneficiary and highlighted the shared aim of raising awareness and helping bring new cancer treatments to patients, while also acknowledging MLB’s longstanding support as a founding donor.