Cricket great David Warner makes debut as Veeam extends Seattle Orcas partnership

Veeam Software has extended its headline and founding sponsorship of the Seattle Orcas Major League Cricket team through to the end of 2027.

The partnership, which began in 2023, will continue to see Veeam closely aligned with the Seattle-based franchise as Major League Cricket grows in profile across the United States. The collaboration is described by both organisations as rooted in shared qualities of strategy, teamwork and resilience.

Resilience on and off the pitch

Veeam Software Chief Executive Officer Anand Eswaran stated the sponsorship reflects a deeper alignment than simple brand visibility. Eswaran said, "Cricket demands split-second decision-making, unwavering focus and the ability to recover from every bouncer. That mirrors our approach to data: anticipate threats, deploy defences and come back stronger after each challenge. Partnering with the Seattle Orcas isn't just about logos on jerseys; it's about rallying behind a shared passion for resilience and excellence."

Since its launch, Major League Cricket has attracted growing interest in the United States, particularly following the T20 World Cup held in 2024. Seattle Orcas feature a line-up highlighted by South African batter Heinrich Klaasen, spinner Harmeet Singh, powerhouse Steven Taylor, dependable Shayan Jahangir, and the upcoming inclusion of Australian international David Warner.

Warner's arrival is expected to further raise the team's profile. His stature in global cricket and experience in high-pressure matches have been described as significant boosts to both the Orcas' performance and the level of interest in American cricket.

Building community and momentum

"We're thrilled to keep Veeam in our crease as we continue our journey in Major League Cricket," said Hemant Dua, CEO of the Seattle Orcas. "Their support has been our secret weapon, fuelling our offence with top talent and shoring up our defence when the match tightens. This partnership is about building community, driving innovation, and making cricket America's summer spectacle and the Seattle Orcas America's favourite cricket team."

The extension of the partnership means Veeam's logo will continue to be displayed on every Orcas uniform. The company also plans to engage its own stakeholders—employees, customers and partners—through activities including VIP "Day in the Life" experiences and watch parties in multiple cities.

The 2025 Major League Cricket season is scheduled to begin on 12 June, with the Seattle Orcas set to play their opening match against Washington Freedom on 14 June. The franchise, based in Seattle, aims to attract further supporters as interest in cricket expands across North America.

Strategic alignment with growth

Cricket has a longstanding, though previously niche, presence in the United States. The nation's first recorded game dates back to New York in 1751, but efforts such as Major League Cricket and recent international tournaments are driving a surge in enthusiasm. The Orcas' line-up, which combines international experience and home-grown talent, reflects this growing momentum.

According to Veeam, the partnership also serves its broader aims of engaging with diverse communities and supporting resilience—a theme consistent with the company's operational priorities in data backup, security and intelligence.

The Seattle Orcas have stated their focus is not only on performance on the field but also on building a strong, engaged fan base and promoting the health and inclusivity that cricket brings.

The arrangement between Veeam and the Seattle Orcas will now run through to the end of the 2027 Major League Cricket season.