MLB successfully navigated its way through a pandemic-shortened 2020 season to the World Series, but the league suffered a $3.1 billion loss. Teams have shed hundreds of jobs — with some not expected to return.

The Atlanta Braves are among the teams that laid off employees after experiencing a 95% year-over-year revenue dip April to June. Other teams that suffered large layoffs include the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants.

Offseason layoffs and furloughs aren’t contained to MLB either as leagues combat the loss of game-day fan revenue — up to 70% for some teams. Earlier in the pandemic, other leagues and teams dealt with furloughs, layoffs and pay cuts.

MLB 2020 Expectations vs. Reality:

$10 billion — Expected 2020 Revenue

$10.2 billion — Expected 2020 Expenses

$3 billion — Real 2020 Revenue

$6.1 billion — Real 2020 Expenses

Xbox content and services revenue was up 30% year-over-year, helping contribute to a strong first quarter of Microsoft’s 2021 fiscal year. Microsoft reported its net income was up 30% overall — led largely by cloud services.

During the pandemic, Microsoft saw a surge in xCloud and Game Pass services, announcing that it had 15 million Xbox Game Pass Subscribers earlier this year. Now, Microsoft is preparing for its Nov. 10 launch of the next-gen Xbox Series X and Series S.

If Sony’s early reported demand for its next-gen console — PlayStation 5, due out Nov. 12 — is any indication, the release will be a boon for Microsoft’s current quarter. Sony said it pre-sold as many PlayStation 5 units in 12 hours in the U.S. as the first 12 weeks of PlayStation 4, which has sold more than 100 million to date.

Microsoft Q1 2021: 

$37.2 billion in revenue

$13.9 billion profit (up 30% year-over-year)

$11.85 billion in “more personal computing” revenue, which includes Xbox and PCs

30% increase in Xbox-only revenue — up from flat a year ago and down from the 65% year-over-year increase last quarter

Circa Las Vegas opened what it calls the largest sportsbook in the world today. The pandemic has heavily impacted travel and tourism, but CEO Derek Stevens wants to help reestablish Las Vegas as a sports betting destination.

The $1 billion resort is highlighted by its three-story, 1,000 seat auditorium and a 78-million-pixel video wall that requires 10 people to operate. Sports betting media company VSiN also has a dedicated broadcast studio in the building.

On top of the resort is a rooftop with a 143-foot TV and six pools that will have poolside mobile wagering kiosks. Circa also boasts “Nevada’s longest indoor bar” at 165-feet with 40 double-stacked TVs.

Sports Betting Headlines

• U.K. betting data firm Genius Sports will go public through a $1.5 billion SPAC deal.
• BetMGM named former ESPN senior vice president of social & digital content Ryan Spoon as its new chief operating officer.
• DraftKings announced its naming rights deal for Major League Eating’s Halloween candy eating contest. It also extended its deal to power Gibraltar-based MansionBet’s sportsbook and casino.

Gym chain Equinox has entered the e-commerce space with an online store featuring more than 80 apparel, wellness and skincare brands in a new commitment to retail. The endeavor is an effort to test products that could be added to retail spaces at its 105 clubs, as well as boost its overall revenue.

The chain’s 350,000 members each spend an average of $3,500 per year, with gym dues starting at $2,200. Amplifying spending outside regular membership fees will help battle pandemic losses and the company’s mounting debt.

Equinox has approximately $1 billion in outstanding debt and is facing a February 2021 deadline to repurchase some debt tied to its SoulCycle acquisition. It took on a new $150 million loan in June to help ride out the pandemic.