Friday, May 29, 2026

Guardians Get New Lease, $203M in Stadium Renovations

  • The Cleveland Guardians will be making $202.5 million in renovations to Progressive Field, most of which will come from public funds.
  • The deal is contingent on the team honoring a new lease that runs to 2036 with an additional 10-year option.
cleveland-guardians-progressive-field
Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians are doubling down on their current home.

The MLB team will make a broad set of renovations to Progressive Field and sign a new lease agreement.

  • The construction will include changes to the upper deck, clubhouses, terrace hub and dugout club seating areas, and the team’s front office — and will cost an estimated $202.5 million.
  • Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Ohio will contribute $135 million of that sum.
  • The Guardians will chip in the remaining $67.5 million.

The deal is contingent on the team honoring a new lease that runs through 2036 with options to extend an additional 10 years. 

Stadium Spending

The Guardians aren’t the only team investing in their home.

The Toronto Blue Jays will put $224 million into modernizing the Rogers Centre over the next two offseasons, with the first stage prioritizing social spaces, bars, patios, and viewing platforms.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets are moving the Citi Field right-field fence in by 8 feet, 6 inches to accommodate luxury seating with personal TVs and a speakeasy-inspired menu.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are unsure whether they will remain in Chase Field, with some reports suggesting team owner Ken Kendrick could explore a sale.

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

Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Sean Manaea (59) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field.

High-Spending Mets Aren’t Alone in Their Losing Ways

Despite a hefty payroll, the club’s losing streak is its longest since 2004.

MLB’s Rookie Stars Are Delivering Big Value on Small Contracts

A fertile crop of first-year players is making an immediate impact.

Three MLB Teams Move Games to Avoid Cold Weather

The Guardians, White Sox, and Mets are moving night games.

Featured Today

Frances Cabral-Delaney

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
May 26, 2026

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 22, 2026

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.

Bucs Stadium Push Could Complicate Rays Ballpark Deal

The neighboring MLB and NFL teams might battle for the same tax funds.
May 21, 2026

Rays $2.3B Stadium Plan Survives Narrow Tampa City Council Vote

The Tampa City Council narrowly approves a non-binding stadium agreement.
May 26, 2026

Bears Stadium Saga Now Tied to Potential $1.5B Tax Break

The local politics around the proposed stadium remain difficult.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 20, 2026

Political Sparring Intensifies Over Bears’ $5B Stadium Future

The stadium saga is the center of a growing political fight.
May 4, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) greets right fielder Ryan Vilade (26) at home plate after hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Tropicana Field.
May 15, 2026

Rays Reach Preliminary Agreement With City, County on Ballpark

The stadium would be located near Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers.
Sponsored

Fueling Dreams with Spectrum Business

Behind every league, team, and major event are the communities and small businesses helping power the business of sports.
Cleveland Browns players Denzel Ward and Carson Schwesinger, left, join with others as they take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, Ohio on April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Browns Break Ground on New Stadium, but Funding Still in Limbo

State and local funding for the planned venue is not yet solidified.