Wednesday, August 12, 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

May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Disney CEO Bob Iger watches pregame warm ups before the game between Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave at BMO Stadium.

Iger, Kushner, Walter Have Sports Empires Beyond the Lakers

The three businessmen already own stakes across major sports leagues.

MLB Field of Dreams Tickets Push Near $1,000

Fans clamor for seats as the local weather forecast remains uncertain.
The Volume
Exclusive

David Ross, Anthony Rizzo Rebranding Volume Podcast

The revamped show will cover all of MLB, not just the Cubs.

Tampa Overhauls Rays $2.3B Stadium Funding As Clock Ticks

The city is shifting to a tax-increment financing structure.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/12/26 – Knicks-LeBron Tickets Soar, Trump Backs Infantino, Romo’s CBS Future Unclear

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign an executive order regarding vaccine flexibility, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 10, 2026.

White House Denies Involvement in Lakers Sale to Kushner

“This has nothing to do with President Trump or his administration.”
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the Los Angeles Lakers logo on the shorts of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
August 12, 2026

Lakers Sold to Kushner, Iger for $12.5B Amid Walter Investigation

It’s the second time in 14 months the team has been sold.
Josh Kushner and Karlie Kloss attend the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 8, 2026.
August 12, 2026

Who Is New Lakers Owner Josh Kushner?

His older brother, Jared Kushner, is married to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
August 7, 2026

The Rams Juggernaut Is More Than ‘F Them Picks’

How a Super Bowl favorite was built in L.A.
Jul 22, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) hits a double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium
August 6, 2026

Yankees Are Polymarket’s Latest Big Sports Swing

Polymarket became the exclusive prediction-market partner of MLB in March.
Jul 31, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) first baseman Matt Olson (28) pitcher Elieser Hernandez and catcher Joey Bart (16) react after defeating the Washington Nationals at Truist Park.
August 5, 2026

BravesVision Rollout Drags Braves Revenue Lower

Quarterly revenue and operating income fell for the MLB club.
First at FOS
August 4, 2026

WNBA Season-Ticket Holders Grapple With Soaring Prices

WNBA teams are hiking prices as the league explodes.