Brewers Add Investors As Challenges Escalate for Small-Market Clubs

Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio holds an estimated net worth of roughly $700 million, and he recently finalized a new stadium renovation deal. But, still he turned this week to one of the team’s major sponsors for additional financial support. How come?

Attanasio completed a deal on Tuesday to add Ralph and Shelly Stayer as new minority owners of the Brewers. The Stayers own Johnsonville, LLC, a prominent sausage brand and the sponsor of the team’s popular Racing Sausages at American Family Field.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the pact gives Attanasio and the Brewers additional financial firepower as they look to compete in MLB’s smallest media market. “Ralph and Shelly are integrated into nearly every part of the Brewers family,” Attanasio said, referring to the couple’s status as season-ticket holders, sponsors, and supporters of team philanthropy.

Pivot Point

The agreement arrives at a delicate time for the Milwaukee franchise, even with the stadium renovation deal done after months of back-and-forth negotiations.

The Brewers routinely outperform their market size at the gate and the team’s 2023 attendance of 2.55 million ranked 15th in the league. But the club’s financial margin for error remains smaller than most others’ in the league, and its local media rights situation is particularly unsettled as it is one of the 11 MLB clubs still tied to the bankrupt Diamond Sports Group. 

Attanasio has steadily added minority partners in recent years, including Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.