Danny Ramirez's Soccer Drama 'Baton' Lands Major League Soccer Partnership

The upcoming soccer drama film Baton has entered into a strategic partnership with Major League Soccer, according to an exclusive report from Deadline. This collaboration marks the professional league's most significant involvement with a motion picture to date.

What does the partnership involve?

The deal will create opportunities across MLS's marketing ecosystem, giving the film a platform to reach millions of soccer fans across the United States and Canada. This effort is in addition to the film's existing collaboration with David Beckham, who is an executive producer via his label Studio 99.

"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," said Seth Bacon, MLS’s EVP of Media.

What is the film about?

Baton follows a soccer player relentlessly pursuing his professional dream after being kicked off his college team and exiled back to Miami. His journey leads him to the MLS College Showcase, a potential life-changing opportunity. As he and his sister battle over their mother’s legacy, he risks losing the only family he has left.

Danny Ramirez, who wrote and directed the film, also stars in the project. He leads an ensemble cast that includes Maia Reficco, Lewis Pullman, Eugenio Derbez, Ester Expósito, Diego Calva, Edgar Ramírez, Camila Mendes, Becky G, Gabriel Luna, Rosario Dawson, Mia Maestro, and Noah Beck.

What is the current status of the film?

Baton is currently in post-production. The producers, including Victoria Alonso for Mapuche Films, expressed their excitement about the partnership's potential.

"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 in a statement.

The film is produced by Mapuche Films, Pinstripes, Gramercy Park, and Peachtree Media. CAA, WME, and Manifest Pictures are representing the project.