Major League Soccer Boards Danny Ramirez Soccer Drama ‘Baton’ As Key Partner

EXCLUSIVE: The feature film Baton, written and directed by Danny Ramirez, has entered into a strategic partnership with Major League Soccer, marking the pro league’s most significant collaboration with a motion picture to date. The partnership comes as Baton enters post production. The film follows a soccer player pursuing his dream of playing professionally after he is kicked off his college team and exiled back to Miami. His journey leads him to the MLS College Showcase, an opportunity that could change his life. As he and his sister battle over their mother’s legacy, he risks losing the only family he has left. Ramirez stars in ther pic with an ensemble cast including Maia Reficco, Lewis Pullman, Eugenio Derbez, Ester Exposito, Diego Calva, Edgar Ramirez, Camila Mendes, Becky G, Gabriel Luna, Rosario Dawson, Mia Maestro and Noah Beck. Watch on Deadline The partnership will create opportunities across MLS’ marketing ecosystem, giving the film a platform capable of reaching millions of soccer fans across the U.S. and Canada. This is on top of the collaboration with David Beckham, who is an executive producer on the film via his label Studio 99. The film is produced by Victoria Alonso for Mapuche Films, Ramirez and Tom Culliver for Pinstripes, Ford Corbett for Gramercy Park and Joshua Harris for Peachtree Media. “From the beginning we believed that Baton had the potential to extend beyond the screen and become a cultural event. Partnering with the MLS is a great step towards that,” the producers said. “Seeing the enormous success of this World Cup only strengthens our belief that now is the time for a great soccer film. Major League Soccer understands the power of community in the sport, and this will give us an opportunity to connect audiences with the film in authentic ways. We couldn’t be more excited to be on this journey with them.” Said Seth Bacon, MLS’ EVP of Media: “We’re always looking for opportunities to connect fans with the sport in new and meaningful ways, and Baton is a powerful example of storytelling that captures the passion, resilience, and sense of community that define our league. Danny has created a story that reflects the emotional journey so many players and fans relate to. With the incredible momentum of MLS in North America, this collaboration represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the game off the field.” CAA, WME and Manifest Pictures are representing the film.