How Did a Renault Koleos Ad End Up in a Texas Rangers Game Broadcast?
Picture this: you’re watching a Texas Rangers baseball game, maybe munching on some nachos, when suddenly a commercial pops up for the Renault Koleos. Wait—Renault? In Texas? That’s not a car you’ll find at your local dealership. So how did a French crossover, not even sold in the United States, end up sandwiched between a Swiffer ad and the next inning of America’s pastime?
The answer is a quirky mix of global advertising networks, a dash of human error, and a reminder that live TV isn’t always as tightly controlled as we think. The ad, which aired during the fifth inning on the MLB.TV stream of the Rangers Sports Network, was actually an Australian commercial. It promoted the 2025 Koleos Evolution 4×2, complete with an Aussie accent and pricing in Australian dollars—$36,990, to be exact.
Why Would an Australian Car Ad Air in the US?
It’s not as wild as it sounds. Sports broadcasts, especially those streamed online, often pull from a pool of international ads. Sometimes, a network or ad agency might not realize that a certain spot isn’t relevant to the local audience. In this case, someone likely didn’t catch that Renault hasn’t sold cars in the US since 1987. The result? Texas baseball fans got a taste of down-under motoring, including offers like $0 down, 1.99% financing, and a seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty—none of which you can actually claim in Dallas.
What’s the Big Deal About the Renault Koleos?
For most Americans, Renault is a name from the past or a badge they’ve only seen on European vacation photos. The Koleos, though, is a staple in markets like Australia, Europe, and parts of Asia. It’s a midsize crossover, recently updated with hybrid tech thanks to partnerships with Geely and Volvo. In Australia, it competes with familiar faces like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
The ad itself was pretty standard fare: English narration, a focus on value, and a promise of reliability. But for US viewers, it was a glimpse into a parallel automotive universe. Imagine seeing an ad for a car you can’t buy, with a warranty you can’t use, and a price that makes no sense in your currency. It’s a little surreal.
How Common Are These Advertising Mix-Ups?
More common than you’d think, especially as networks juggle content for global audiences. According to a 2023 report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, nearly 15% of digital ad impressions in live sports streams are served from international sources, sometimes leading to mismatched content. Most of the time, these slip-ups are caught before airtime, but every now and then, one sneaks through.
For the average viewer, it’s a harmless oddity. For brands, though, it’s a reminder that ad targeting isn’t foolproof. And for car enthusiasts, it’s a fun chance to spot models that never made it stateside.
Could This Happen Again?
Absolutely. As streaming platforms become more global and ad inventory gets shuffled across borders, the odds of seeing an out-of-place commercial go up. It’s not just cars, either—viewers have reported seeing ads for UK broadband providers during NFL games, or Canadian insurance during NBA playoffs. The systems are improving, but perfection is still a ways off.
What Should Viewers Take Away From This?
If you’re a car fan, moments like these are a treat. They’re also a reminder that the world is a lot more connected—and sometimes, a little more chaotic—than we realize. For advertisers and networks, it’s a nudge to double-check those ad lists, especially when the product isn’t even available in the country.
The big takeaway? Even in the age of hyper-targeted digital marketing, surprises still happen. And sometimes, those surprises are just a reminder to pay attention—because you never know when a French SUV might crash your baseball night.