Wednesday, May 27, 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

Sportradar Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Gambling Ties

The suit alleges investors were harmed by shady overseas business conduct.

Padres Star Tatis on Hook for Millions After Legal Setback

A judge ruled the Padres star cannot void an arbitrator’s ruling.

Rays $2.3B Stadium Plan Survives Narrow Tampa City Council Vote

The Tampa City Council narrowly approves a non-binding stadium agreement.
May 4, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets right fielder Ryan Vilade (26) at home plate after hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Tropicana Field.

Rays Reach Preliminary Agreement With City, County on Ballpark

The stadium would be located near Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers.

Featured Today

May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 22, 2026

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.

Pochettino Defends How He Delivered World Cup Roster News

Pochettino said calling players who got cut would’ve been “bullshit.”
May 26, 2026

James Dolan’s Controversial $30M Thibodeau Firing Has Paid Off

Mike Brown has the Knicks in their first Finals since 1999.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks lift the 2026 Eastern Conference trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.
May 26, 2026

Title-Starved Knicks Fans Push Finals Tickets to $3,700

Demand for games at Madison Square Garden reaches Super Bowl-like levels.
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.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) high fives New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.
May 25, 2026

Knicks Reach First NBA Finals Since 1999

The Knicks are looking for the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
May 22, 2026

Man City’s Pep Guardiola Is Leaving: ‘Don’t Ask Me the Reasons’

The six-time Premier League winner ends his epic run one year early.
Nov 20, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy watches play against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center
May 20, 2026

NHL Coaches’ Association Pushes Back on Vegas Cassidy Restrictions

Vegas is within bounds, but the move is unusual and controversial.
May 19, 2026

Trail Blazers Lay Off Dozens As Tom Dundon’s Cuts Continue

The team confirmed the departures in a statement Tuesday.