In a decision that has sent shockwaves across both the sports and business world, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially rejected a lucrative advertising proposal from none other than billionaire tech magnate Elon Musk and his flagship brand, Tesla. The multi-million dollar deal, which would have placed Tesla branding prominently across Busch Stadium throughout the 2025 season, was flatly turned down by team owner William O. DeWitt Jr. — and now, we finally know why.
Sources close to the front office confirm that the proposed Tesla campaign would have involved permanent electric vehicle charging stations at select gates, naming rights on a new concourse expansion, and digital billboards visible during nationally televised games. Initial reports estimated the value of the deal at nearly $28 million over five years — a sum that would make it one of the largest stadium ad partnerships in MLB history.
Yet despite the staggering figure, DeWitt personally vetoed the proposal in a closed-door executive meeting, citing what he described as a “clash of values and priorities.”
“We’re proud of the history and tradition of Busch Stadium,” DeWitt said in a brief but powerful statement to local press. “Our partnerships are more than financial — they are a reflection of who we are and what our community stands for. We welcome innovation, but not at the cost of our identity or fan experience.”
Though DeWitt didn’t go into specifics, insiders say the ownership group was concerned about aligning with a polarizing public figure like Musk, especially as the billionaire continues to make headlines for controversial public statements, volatile stock moves, and his X (formerly Twitter) activity.
The rejection left Tesla executives stunned, with one anonymous marketing official reportedly telling Bloomberg, “We’ve never had a stadium partner walk away from a proposal like this. We thought it was a slam dunk.”
Social media erupted once the story leaked, with Cardinals fans fiercely divided. Some praised DeWitt for sticking to the club’s legacy and brand integrity, while others lamented the lost revenue opportunity, especially in light of the team’s underwhelming season and the financial demands of future roster rebuilds.
Adding intrigue, a rival club — believed to be the San Francisco Giants or New York Mets — is now reportedly negotiating with Tesla to adopt the very campaign St. Louis turned down. If successful, Cardinals fans might soon see what could have been, broadcast from another ballpark.
For now, the Cardinals remain steadfast in their stance. “We’re not for sale to the highest bidder,” said DeWitt. “This is a family-run team. Busch Stadium is a sanctuary for our fans — not a billboard.”
With Elon Musk unusually quiet on the matter — no tweets, no statements — all eyes are on how this unfolds. One thing is clear: the Cardinals just sent a bold message to the world of sports advertising — and maybe even to Silicon Valley itself.