Mashable: The organisation hopes to cater to the burgeoning community of enthusiasts.

Baseball fans in the UAE rejoice! In a groundbreaking move, Baseball United, the premier professional baseball league focusing on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, has announced a strategic evolution and expansion of its UAE-based franchises. The Dubai Wolves will now be known as the Arabia Wolves, while the Abu Dhabi Falcons will be rebranded as the Mid East Falcons. These changes come in response to the surging demand for professional baseball in the region, reflecting a significant milestone in the league's journey to establish a strong foothold in the sporting landscape of the Arabian Peninsula.

The decision to revamp and expand the franchises stems from Baseball United's unwavering commitment to catering to the burgeoning community of enthusiasts across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE. Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United, expressed immense enthusiasm about the league's progress and its growing fan base. The latter now constitute approximately 7% of the GCC population, translating to nearly five million avid baseball supporters throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Shaikh emphasised the importance of creating local identities and resonating with fans in the Middle East. The Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons — while retaining their original colours, emblems, and brand essences — will incorporate new typography and design elements reflective of the broader GCC community. The Arabia Wolves' revamped logo features Arabic-inspired lettering and a compass motif symbolising connectivity. On the other hand, the Mid East Falcons' new emblem showcases a contemporary "ME" monogram, blending traditional serif fonts with a modern twist.

"We believe our brand strategy, brand identity, and brand creatives are all key points of difference for our business," remarked Shaikh, underscoring Baseball United's deliberate approach to brand development and market positioning. The league's meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of its branding, aiming to cultivate a strong emotional connection with fans and stakeholders.

The league's expansion efforts extend beyond franchise rebranding. Baseball United recently announced plans to introduce three new franchises in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying its presence and accessibility across the Middle East. With a vision to have eight franchises for its inaugural full season commencing in the winter of 2025, Baseball United is poised to revolutionise the sports landscape in the region.

Baseball United's remarkable journey was highlighted by its inaugural All-Star Showcase in November, marking the first-ever professional baseball games in the Middle East and South Asia. The event — at Dubai International Stadium — garnered global attention with broadcasts reaching millions of households worldwide. Notable MLB stars like Robinson Cano, Pablo Sandoval, Bartolo Colon, and Andrelton Simmons graced the showcase, showcasing the league's calibre and international appeal.

Cano, a seasoned MLB All-Star, headlines the Arabia Wolves roster, alongside other MLB luminaries such as Didi Gregorius and Jair Jurrjens. Similarly, Sandoval, a revered figure in baseball circles, spearheads the MidEast Falcons' lineup, adding star power and experience to the team.

As Baseball United gears up to unveil its 2024 gameplay plans and unveil the Saudi expansion franchises, the league's dedication to fostering baseball's growth and cultivating a vibrant sports ecosystem in the Middle East remains unwavering. For enthusiasts and stakeholders eager to witness the evolution of baseball on a global scale, Baseball United stands as a beacon of innovation, unity, and sporting excellence.