Yankees Showcase Humor in Opening Day Ads for YES Network
The New York Yankees opened their 2026 season with two distinct marketing efforts. One is a comic television spot on YES Network. The other is a straight‑forward team campaign celebrating the fanbase.
Larry David and Michael Kay lead the YES spot
A 60‑second commercial stars Larry David and longtime play‑by‑play voice Michael Kay. The set alternates between David’s Santa Monica office and a recreated broadcast booth in Stamford. The premise shows David struggling to find the game across devices and platforms. Kay guides him through using a voice‑activated remote to pull up YES. The humor plays on modern viewing confusion while highlighting the network’s role.
Team campaign: Wherever We Go, The Jungle Follows
The Yankees also launched a separate campaign titled “Wherever We Go, The Jungle Follows.” It emphasizes the team’s cultural reach and fan loyalty. The creative leans into energy and omnipresence rather than jokes. Together, both campaigns balance contemporary viewing realities and classic pinstripe pride.
Viewer tools and distribution
YES extended the TV spot with a dedicated microsite. The site helps fans track where to watch each Yankees game this season. The work directly addresses fragmented viewing across streaming, cable, and broadcast. The effort aims to reduce confusion and steer viewers to the right platform.
Creative and production credits
- Spot title: “Larry says YES”
- Brand: YES Network / Gotham Sports App
- Agency: In‑House
- Production company: MyMan
- Director: Rob Farber
- Agency producer: Rogue Producer
- Edit: PS260 NY
- Color: Nice Shoes NY
Strategy and leadership
Bill Bergofin leads marketing and creative at YES. He described the goal as entertaining fans in multiple ways. That means delivering goosebumps at times, and a laugh at others.
On Opening Day, the Yankees used humor to showcase their personality in ads appearing on YES Network. The two campaigns work together to serve viewers and celebrate the team. Filmogaz.com will monitor fan response and campaign reach throughout the season.
