Monday, September 28, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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

Aug 28, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) throws to first for a double play against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

How NBC Sports Is Approaching Its First MLB Postseason in 26 Years

The network will have its first MLB postseason presence since 2000.

MLB Black Monday Begins With Mariners Shakeup

Seattle kicked off a wave of expected leadership changes across MLB.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.

MLB Attendance Grows for Fourth Straight Year

The league drew 0.5% more fans than it did last year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/28/26 – College Sports Bill Vote, Man City Found Guilty, Phillies Survive Collapse

0:00

Featured Today

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.

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.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
September 22, 2026

Injuries to Dart, Daniels Have Giants and Commanders Reeling

Other injured NFL quarterbacks will be back sooner.
September 25, 2026

Manchester City Found Guilty on Almost All Financial Breach Charges

The club is expected to appeal the ruling.
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.
Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Vancouver Canucks logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
September 21, 2026

Canucks Rebuilding More Than Roster in Franchise-Wide Overhaul

The Canucks are trying to turn the page after an ugly 2025–26 season.
Sep 10, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during practice at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 18, 2026

McVay’s Australia Gripe Highlights NFL’s Business-Football Divide

The Rams coach is looking to forget the team’s struggles in Australia.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) runs to score a touchdown during the first half against the Detroit Lions at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

Bills Mafia Steals the Show in $2.2B Highmark Stadium Debut

The new stadium easily transcended its league-low seating capacity.
September 17, 2026

Knicks Blame ‘Mistake’ for Sky-High Ticket Prices

The team halted ticket sales and will issue partial refunds.