• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Brewers’ Uncertainty Fades With Approval Of $546M Stadium Bill

  • MLB club wins key ballpark vote with bipartisan support
  • Measure to upgrade American Family Field now moves to state senate
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers won a key stadium renovation vote in the Wisconsin state assembly, likely ending months of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future in MLB’s smallest media market.

With a 69-27 bipartisan vote, the assembly passed a $546 million ballpark financing plan to provide key renovations to the 22-year-old, publicly owned American Family Field and extend the team’s lease through 2050. 

The state will contribute $411 million, while the city and county of Milwaukee will combine for another $135 million, and the Mark Attanasio-owned Brewers will chip in $100 million not included in the public-sector vote.

The measure must still go through the Wisconsin senate, with potential changes to the funding mechanisms with that vote, likely set for next month. But the initial vote represents a key step forward in a months-long saga that included suggestions and then retractions of the team’s relocation.

“Momentum continues to grow for a solution to maintain American Family Field and to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee for the next generation,” said Rich Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations.

Despite the sizable margin in the assembly vote, the Brewers situation has revived long-standing debates on public financing for pro sports facilities, as well as speculation on the true economic power of a pro team in a local market. 

Some opponents to the bill blasted the measure as another example of corporate welfare, but advocates successfully pointed to the prospect of a largely empty ballpark without the Brewers.

“It’s simple math,” said assembly speaker Robin Vos. “If the Brewers leave, dollars follow … If another employer was being lured elsewhere, we’d be saying we don’t want to lose that employer.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

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

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.

ESPN’s Ben McDonald Stays on Padres-Cubs Call Despite NHL Flap

ESPN sticks with McDonald after his viral hockey “zero chance” jab.

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.’”
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.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.

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 Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
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.