Saturday, July 25, 2026

MLB Revenue Slides

MLB
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

MLB successfully navigated its way through a pandemic-shortened 2020 season to the World Series, but the league suffered a $3.1 billion loss. Teams have shed hundreds of jobs — with some not expected to return.

The Atlanta Braves are among the teams that laid off employees after experiencing a 95% year-over-year revenue dip April to June. Other teams that suffered large layoffs include the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants.

Offseason layoffs and furloughs aren’t contained to MLB either as leagues combat the loss of game-day fan revenue — up to 70% for some teams. Earlier in the pandemic, other leagues and teams dealt with furloughs, layoffs and pay cuts.

MLB 2020 Expectations vs. Reality:

$10 billion — Expected 2020 Revenue

$10.2 billion — Expected 2020 Expenses

$3 billion — Real 2020 Revenue

$6.1 billion — Real 2020 Expenses

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 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tarik Skubal Makes Plea to Stay in Detroit Ahead of Trade Deadline

Skubal could make his final home start for Detroit on Friday.
April 17, 2026, Boston, MA: Sponsor Signage is displayed during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Friday, April 17, 2026.

Red Sox 15-Game Win Streak Cost Boston Restaurant Thousands

A Red Sox promotion became unexpectedly expensive.
Jul 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park.

Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm Buys Stake in A’s

It’s the first investment by Harbinger Sports Partners, which formed last May.

Peacock Turns Profit 6 Years After Launch—With World Cup Bump

The streaming service reached a long-awaited “milestone.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/24/26 – Mark Cuban Buys Into A’s, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham’s Meteoric Rise

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
patrick_mahomes

Less Than Super TV Viewership

CBS Sports’ telecast of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 91.629 million viewers, down 8%.
person_playing_cricket
December 23, 2020

Prominent Tech Execs Line Up to Back Cricket Growth In the U.S.

More than 20 investors have now bought into American Cricket Enterprise, parent company oMajor League Cricket.
man_riding_stationary_bike
December 28, 2020

Connected Fitness Company Echelon Lands $65 Million Investment

The funding came from Goldman Sachs and North Castle Partners, who now own controlling interests in the company.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
woman_holding_hockey_stick
December 23, 2020

NBC to Air NWHL Finals, Adds to Banner Year for Women’s Sports

It will be the first time professional women’s hockey games are shown live on a major national cable network in the U.S.
antetokounmpo_dribbling_basketball
December 23, 2020

‘Giannis Effect’ Felt by Bucks Following Record-Breaking Extension

Since he was drafted in 2013, the Bucks’ valuation has jumped from No. 30 in the league at $312 million to No. 19 at $1.58 billion.
December 22, 2020

Adam Silver Says NBA Expansion is ‘Manifest Destiny of the League’

“It’s sort of the manifest destiny of the league that you expand at some point,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday.
December 22, 2020

Adidas Partners With Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God Brand

Lorenzo will lead creative and business strategy for Adidas basketball globally, and launch a Fear of God athletics sub-brand.