HOLY SH!T: New York Mets Refuse to Partner with Elon Musk’s Tesla for Promotions at Citi Field — Team Gives a Very Good Reason for the Rejection

In a headline-grabbing decision that has taken both the sports and tech worlds by storm, the New York Mets have officially declined a proposed promotional partnership with Elon Musk’s electric car company, Tesla. The unexpected rejection came after weeks of speculation about a potential collaboration that would have seen Tesla branding integrated into Citi Field, including branded charging stations and in-game advertising. But now, it’s official: the Mets have said no—and they’re not backing down.

The Deal That Was Almost Done

Sources close to the situation revealed that Tesla, under Elon Musk’s direct guidance, had approached the Mets organization with a multi-million-dollar proposal. The partnership would have included the installation of Tesla Superchargers in Citi Field’s parking lots, branded VIP sections dubbed “Tesla Terraces,” and promotional giveaways like free test drives for select fans.

Negotiations reportedly progressed for several weeks, with both sides considering the visibility benefits such a high-profile collaboration could offer. On paper, it looked like a win-win: Tesla would gain access to the Mets’ passionate fan base, and the Mets would benefit from associating with one of the most innovative companies in the world.

But then, something changed.

The Mets’ Stunning Rejection — And the Reason Why

Late Wednesday night, a senior executive within the Mets’ front office confirmed that the team had decided to decline the partnership. The reason? It wasn’t financial — it was philosophical.

“We appreciate Tesla’s interest in collaborating with our organization,” the Mets’ statement read. “However, we have chosen to prioritize partnerships with companies that align more closely with our values, particularly regarding community engagement, accountability, and public communication.”

In a follow-up from an anonymous source within the team, the Mets’ reluctance reportedly stems from Elon Musk’s recent controversies, including erratic social media behavior, controversial political remarks, and perceived indifference toward public criticism.

“The brand’s public persona — especially Musk’s — didn’t match the tone the Mets are trying to strike in 2025. We’re a family-first, community-rooted franchise, and we want our partners to reflect that image,” said the source.

Tesla Responds with Shade

It didn’t take long for Elon Musk to respond. Taking to his platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk posted:

“Guess the Mets prefer being stuck in the past. Still using fossil fuels to drive home after another loss?”

The post was met with a mix of laughs, gasps, and criticism. While some fans applauded Musk’s confidence, others felt the jab was unwarranted and unprofessional — especially coming from the head of a global tech company.

Fans React: Applause and Backlash

Fan reactions have been split. Some Mets fans praised the organization for taking a stand:

“Glad to see the Mets standing up for values over hype. Not everything has to be a cash grab,” one user commented on Instagram.

Others, however, lamented the missed opportunity:

“Tesla chargers at Citi Field would’ve been awesome. Why turn it down over a guy’s tweets?” another fan wrote.

Still, a vocal portion of the fanbase supports the Mets’ decision, especially amid growing concerns about the direction of tech billionaire influence in sports.

What This Means for Other Teams

The Mets’ rejection of Tesla may set a precedent. In recent years, several sports franchises have entered into tech-driven partnerships, often without scrutiny. Now, teams may begin to re-evaluate the reputational impact of aligning with controversial figures, regardless of their business success.

A sports marketing expert weighed in:

“This isn’t just about Tesla. This is about brand identity. Teams are realizing that who they partner with reflects directly on their values. The Mets just took a very public stand — and other franchises might follow.”

Tesla’s Next Move?

Despite the rejection, don’t expect Tesla to stay on the sidelines for long. The company is already rumored to be in talks with other major sports teams — including franchises in the NFL and NBA — who may be more willing to accept the partnership and the baggage that may come with it.

Whether this clash will impact Tesla’s public image or sales remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Mets aren’t afraid to say no, even to the world’s richest man.