Tuesday, September 1, 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

Aug 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Tampa Bay Rays logo on a batting helmet prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Rays’ $2.36B Ballpark Gets Final Approval in Tampa

Groundbreaking is targeted for later this year.

Tampa City Council Narrowly Approves Rays Stadium Funding 

The long-sought-after project narrowly survives the city vote.

MLB Players Balk at Owners’ Proposed Free Agency Revamp

Management’s latest proposal took some inspiration from the NFL and NBA.
Aug 25, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers (16) and San Francisco Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (0) celebrate after scoring against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Oracle Park.
Exclusive

Kalshi Incorrectly Claimed Deals With Giants, Braves Were Exclusive

The prediction-market platform says the mistake was an accident.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/1/26 – LIV Golf’s Bankruptcy Bet, Messi Retires, Seahawks $9.6B Sale

0:00

Featured Today

Aug 3, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) kisses the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after her match against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation

A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
August 26, 2026

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss
August 21, 2026

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
First at FOS

Runners-Up Offered Seahawks Stake After Losing Out on Team

The deal is closing “very soon,” a source says.
August 30, 2026

Aaron Donald Returns to Rams

His one-year deal is worth $20 million.
August 31, 2026

Aaron Donald Return Supercharges Rams’ Status As 2026 ‘It’ Team

His return raised expectations and shortened betting odds. 
Sponsored

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
August 30, 2026

Josh Jacobs Put on Paid Leave by NFL

He can’t practice or play in games.
August 26, 2026

NFL Owners Unanimously Approve Seahawks Sale

The Khosla family’s deal was officially ratified Wednesday.
August 25, 2026

What’s Next for Jed York After Prostitution Arrest?

The NFL and 49ers could take action.
August 25, 2026

WNBA’s Sky Ban Kanter Freedom From Arena Indefinitely

Sky owner Michael Alter denounced the actions of the former NBA player.