• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Brewers Add Investors As Challenges Escalate for Small-Market Clubs

  • Lead executives of key team sponsor become part of ownership group.
  • The small-market franchise is grappling with RSN uncertainty.
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

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

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.