Wednesday, July 15, 2026

MLB Playoffs Bring Economic Jolt to Cities, Players

  • The Seattle Mariners got an economic boost for their first playoff run since 2001.
  • Players are rewarded for advancing in the postseason.
Seattle-Mariners
Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB playoffs are bringing a swarm of economic activity to certain cities, some of which haven’t received that boost in a long time.

The Seattle Mariners’ first playoff appearance since 2001 has given a jolt to their beleaguered fanbase, even though their 2-0 wild card series win against the Blue Jays over the weekend took place in Toronto.

  • The Mariners’ team store sold out of postseason merchandise within two days of the team clinching a playoff berth.
  • Tickets to potential home dates for future playoff series sold out shortly after hitting the market.
  • The team will host its first postseason game since 2001 on Oct. 15 against the Houston Astros.

Team owner John Stanton said he expects the Mariners to be a top-10 MLB team in revenue over the next decade, with an estimated increase from $319 million last year to around $400 million, per Forbes..

Player Payday

MLB players bring in a significant haul for reaching and advancing in the postseason. Last season saw the player pool reach a record $90.5 million.

The World Series-winning Atlanta Braves players landed $32.6 million in total, while the American League champion Houston Astros notched $21.7 million.

At the low end, the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals, who lost their respective wild card games, earned $1.4 million each.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB’s Stretch Run Will Be Defined By Labor, Stadiums, and Stars

The trade deadline and contending low-budget teams also loom large. 
Mar 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Team USA baseball hat during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Two Years From LA28, MLB’s Olympic Plan Remains Unsettled

The league and union are still grappling with several logistical issues.

MLB Players and Owners Still Miles Apart: ‘I Think It’s Perverse’

Baseball’s management and labor leaders offer very different viewpoints. 
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baseball fans react before the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.

MLB All-Star Game Tickets Surpass World Cup Semifinal

The biggest factor is a shortage of tickets on the resale market.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation With USWNT Alumni Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
Jerry Colangelo sits courtside as the GCU Lopes play the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Mortgage Matchup Center on Dec. 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
First at FOS

Las Vegas Jacks Have Been in the Works for Over a Year

The group paid $2,200 in fees to apply for the two trademarks.
Jun 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing William Carrier (28) and defenseman K'andre Miller (19) walk out with the Stanley Cup trophy during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at Raleigh.
July 10, 2026

Dundon Faces Backlash for Engraving Kids’ Names on Stanley Cup

All five names of the owner’s children are on the Stanley Cup.
July 12, 2026

Seahawks Set NFL Record With $9.612B Sale to Khosla

Vinod Khosla’s wife will “serve as the controlling owner.”
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
July 9, 2026

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
July 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Shuffle Practice Venues As Facility Delay Continues

Chicago has not given a firm opening date for their practice facility.
July 1, 2026

Celtics Send Jaylen Brown to Sixers in Swap of Huge Contracts

Paul George is set to make $54 million next year.
June 24, 2026

Cardinals Shake Up Front Office in Long-Term Leadership Plan

Club owner Bill DeWitt Jr. begins to prepare the club for life without him.