• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Manfred: Fanless 2021 MLB Season Would be ‘Economically Devastating’

  • The baseball industry lost $3 billion in the 2020 season.
  • Commissioner Rob Manfred says the league will need to explore ways to have fans in stadiums next season.
Rob Manfred: A Fanless 2021 MLB Season Would be ‘Economically Devastating’
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

MLB, seemingly against all odds, has made it through the 2020 regular season and is set to begin its expanded playoff schedule on Sept. 30 — but the 2021 campaign could prove to be an even bigger challenge. 

This year, the league cut its 162-game regular season down to 60 games and played with no fans in attendance, leading to a $3 billion loss across the industry, according to The Wall Street Journal

Should the 2021 season go on without fans as well, Commissioner Rob Manfred said that the losses “would be a multiple” of this season, and “economically devastating.”

Manfred added that the league could look into ways to get fans back in stadiums if there’s no widely-available vaccine.

“If we’re going to play next year, and if we don’t have a vaccine and we aren’t past the pandemic, I think we need to think hard about what measures we can take to get people back into the ballpark,” he told WSJ. 

While MLB implemented a rigorous testing protocol during the 2020 season, a handful of teams’ schedules were impacted by instances of COVID-19 cases.

Manfred acknowledged that there seemed to be a sentiment, initially, that testing took the place of other preventative measures.

“I think there was some sense that if you tested enough, the rest of the preventive measures were maybe not as important,” Manfred said. “Those situations emphasized, particularly in closed areas like airplanes, that the preventive measures — distancing, masks on at all times — really, really make a huge difference.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Pitaro: ESPN, MLB Making Progress on New Deal Talks

The network and league ended their deal earlier this year.

Ken Rosenthal: I Apologized to Photog After Knocking Him Over

Rosenthal backpedaled into the photographer to avoid a Gatorade shower.

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.