Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Sports Leagues Ready to Rebound from Pandemic

  • The four major U.S. sports leagues and the NCAA have lost at least $14.1 billion to the pandemic.
  • But a return to old form is near.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

As we all know, the financial impact of the pandemic on sports and their governing bodies has been unprecedented.

The four major U.S. sports leagues and the NCAA, specifically, lost at least $14.1 billion to the pandemic, according to an estimate by Forbes. 

  • The NFL saw 2020 revenue drop to $9.5 billion after reaching $14.5 billion in 2019. 
  • NHL team values declined for the first time since 2001, with the average team’s worth falling 2% to $653 million.
  • The NBA and NCAA suffered near billion-dollar losses.
  • MLB took the biggest hit with 2020 revenue sinking to $4 billion after hitting $10.5 billion in 2019. 

But with the NBA season at its midway point, the NHL and MLB underway, and the Olympics on the horizon, the tide is starting to turn. 

“I think the vaccine season has changed everything,” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told Forbes. “I think we actually have full arenas sooner than anyone expected.” 

As fans pour back into stadium seats, a growing number of venues across all sports will be offering cashless, ticketless, and touchless experiences to give fans peace of mind. 

The NHL makes 70% of its revenue inside the arena, the highest percentage of the major U.S. leagues.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for seventy-six yards against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium.

Combined Sports Assets Gives Skydance Leverage With NFL

The company’s co-CEOs spent Day 1 meeting with employees and press.
First at FOS

NFL Wants to Know Which Combine Measurements Actually Matter

The NFL Scouting Combine is the focus of this Big Data Bowl.
Jun 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws against the Seattle Mariners in the ninth inning at Chase Field.

Another Startup Is Trying to Sell Shares in Athletes’ Future Earnings

“We are basically building a mini Robinhood,” Agentiq’s cofounder tells FOS.

Colts’ Irsay-Gordon Defends Her Ownership Approach Amid Criticism

Leadership is “about listening,” she told Front Office Sports Tonight.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/7/26 – EuroLeague Rejects NBA, LeBron’s Helicopter Sparks Backlash, $12M Super Bowl Ads

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
FIFA
December 11, 2024

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.