HOLY SHIT: New York Mets Reject Elon Musk’s Tesla Ad at Acrisure! Mets Give Elon Musk a Very Good Reason for Rejection…
In a headline-grabbing move that stunned both sports and tech fans alike, the New York Mets have rejected a high-profile Tesla advertisement offer from Elon Musk, declining a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal that would have seen Tesla branding prominently displayed at Acrisure Stadium — the temporary home for select Mets games while Citi Field undergoes renovations. The Mets’ decision wasn’t just surprising — it was strategic, deliberate, and delivered with a clear message: values matter.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Musk’s team approached Mets management in late April with a proposal that included LED Tesla signage across the outfield walls, branded in-stadium charging stations, and a dedicated “Tesla Lounge” for VIP fans. The pitch was reportedly backed by a lucrative financial package, making it one of the largest single-advertiser offers the Mets have received in years.
So why did the Mets say no?
In an internal memo leaked to several media outlets and confirmed by team representatives, Mets ownership cited “brand alignment concerns and organizational values” as the reason for walking away from the Tesla deal. While the memo didn’t name Musk directly, it alluded to “public controversies surrounding potential sponsors” and emphasized the team’s focus on building “a fan-first environment rooted in community and inclusion.”
Behind the scenes, Mets majority owner Steve Cohen — himself a billionaire — reportedly had strong reservations about linking the franchise to Musk. Several staff members and advisers pointed to Musk’s increasingly polarizing public image, especially on social media, where his statements have at times clashed with the Mets’ efforts to build a more inclusive and family-friendly brand. A source close to the decision-making process said, “It wasn’t just about the money. It was about who we’re seen standing next to.”
The rejection is a rare loss for Musk, whose Tesla brand has maintained a dominant presence in sports sponsorships over the past two years. From F1 partnerships to stadium activations in the NFL and NBA, Tesla has leaned hard into sports marketing. The Mets’ refusal marks the first high-profile rejection from a major U.S. sports franchise and may signal a broader shift as teams become more selective about corporate alignments in a politically charged landscape.
Tesla has not issued an official comment, but Musk, true to form, responded with a tweet saying, “Lol, the Mets will come around. Everyone does.” That tweet has since gone viral — and predictably sparked a firestorm in both Mets and Tesla fandoms.
Meanwhile, the Mets have reportedly engaged with alternative sponsors, including local sustainability initiatives and community-based tech startups, signaling a desire to double down on a more grounded, socially conscious direction. One executive close to the team summed it up bluntly: “Elon’s offer was shiny, but not the kind of bright we’re looking for.”
In a sports world increasingly driven by dollars, the Mets’ decision to put principle over profit is both shocking and, to some fans, refreshing. Whether it pays off on the field — or in the stands — remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Musk–Mets marriage isn’t happening anytime soon.
