BREAKING: Elon Musk Threatens to Buy Mets, Fire Carlos Mendoza After Explosive Advertising Clash
In an unexpected and fiery twist that has sent shockwaves through the world of sports and business, Elon Musk has ignited a high-profile feud with the New York Mets and their manager Carlos Mendoza. The billionaire entrepreneur and owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter) lashed out on social media late Friday afternoon, threatening to “buy the team and fire Mendoza on the spot” following the manager’s dismissive comments about Musk’s business empire.
The drama unfolded after a pregame press conference, during which Mendoza was asked about potential advertising partnerships for the Mets in 2026. When Tesla was brought up as a possible brand for in-stadium or jersey advertising, Mendoza abruptly cut off the reporter, stating:
> “Skip Tesla. The New York Mets will never advertise with Elon Musk. Period.”
The blunt statement immediately drew headlines. But it was Musk’s fiery response on X that turned the situation into an international spectacle.
> “Never say never. I could buy the Mets tomorrow and fire Mendoza before his next pregame speech. Arrogance and ignorance rarely win ballgames. ⚾️ #YoureFired”
A Clash of Titans
While sports owners and corporate leaders often work hand-in-hand, rarely do fans see open hostility on this scale. Mendoza’s statement was shocking not just for its candor, but for the unmistakable personal tone. According to sources close to the Mets’ front office, the manager’s remarks were not pre-approved and took both team executives and the league office by surprise.
“Elon Musk has never formally approached us for any partnership,” one Mets executive said under condition of anonymity. “We don’t know what Carlos was thinking, but that was not our position.”
Within minutes of Musk’s post, hashtags like #FireMendoza and #MuskToMets began trending across social media. Some fans sided with Mendoza, calling Musk “a disruptive influence who shouldn’t touch baseball,” while others rallied behind Musk, urging him to make a move and “bring innovation and accountability to Citi Field.”
Mets Ownership Stays Silent… For Now
As of Friday evening, Mets owner Steve Cohen has not released an official statement. Sources inside the organization say Cohen is “furious” about the distraction but is unsure whether to publicly rebuke Mendoza or let the controversy fade with time.
Adding fuel to the fire, Musk tweeted again several hours later:
> “This is bigger than baseball. It’s about integrity. If the Mets want to be mediocre forever, that’s their call. But don’t drag my name into it like I’m the problem. I build rockets. What have you built, Carlos?”
It’s not the first time Musk has flirted with major sports franchises. Over the years, rumors have swirled about potential interest in buying an NBA team or even launching a hyper-modern sports league. But this is the first time Musk has publicly threatened to acquire a team in response to a perceived slight.
Mendoza Remains Unapologetic
In a follow-up interview after the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants Friday night, Mendoza was asked whether he regretted his earlier remarks.
> “I said what I said,” he replied curtly. “We’re about baseball, not billionaires with rocket ships and Twitter tantrums.”
Mendoza, now in his second year as Mets manager, has been under increasing pressure as the team struggles to meet expectations despite a talent-rich roster. Sources say tensions were already mounting between Mendoza and upper management over his handling of pitching rotations and clubhouse morale. Friday’s outburst may only deepen those divides.
One league executive commented, “If you’re underperforming and then you take a shot at one of the world’s richest and most influential people, you better hope you have a winning record. Mendoza does not.”
Could Musk Really Buy the Mets?
Technically, yes. Elon Musk’s net worth currently hovers around $212 billion, according to Forbes. The Mets are valued at roughly $2.9 billion. While there is no indication that Steve Cohen is interested in selling, Musk certainly has the financial firepower to make an offer impossible to ignore.
Sports finance expert Dr. Carla Nguyen of Stanford University says, “Musk wouldn’t just be buying a team. He’d be buying a global brand and an entry point into the multibillion-dollar sports advertising and media ecosystem. If this feud with Mendoza lit a fire under him, I wouldn’t bet against it happening.”
Others are more skeptical.
“Baseball isn’t just about money. It’s about tradition, relationships, and knowing how to navigate egos,” said longtime MLB insider Buster Williams. “Musk would either revolutionize the league or burn it all down. Maybe both.”
Fallout and Speculation
As of Saturday morning, speculation is rampant. Will the Mets discipline Mendoza for stepping out of line? Will Musk actually make a formal offer to buy the team? Could Cohen and Musk potentially even collaborate in the future, turning the feud into an unexpected business partnership?
For now, the only certainty is that Elon Musk and Carlos Mendoza have created one of the most surreal sports-business collisions in recent memory. And for a Mets team struggling to find its rhythm, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Meanwhile, late-night comedians and pundits are already weighing in. Jimmy Kimmel joked in his monologue:
> “Carlos Mendoza told Elon Musk to take a hike, and Musk responded by threatening to buy the mountain. Only in America.”
Whet
her this story ends in a handshake or a pink slip remains to be seen.
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