In April, MLB said that it would move its All-Star Game out of Atlanta in response to Georgia’s controversial new voting law. Now, an advocacy group is seeking a billion-dollar payback.
The Job Creators Network, a conservative small business advocacy group, filed a lawsuit against MLB seeking the return of the All-Star Game or $1 billion in punitive damages, plus $100 million in damages to local businesses.
Prior to filing the suit, the group launched a pressure campaign on MLB that included a billboard in Times Square, a full page ad in the New York Times, a small demonstration outside MLB headquarters, and a petition calling on the league to move the game back to Atlanta.
The Job Creators Network was started by Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, who is worth an estimated $8.8 billion. Marcus founded the successful home improvement chain with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
- Data provided by MLB shows that the midsummer classic regularly brings in between $60-$89 million in economic activity to its host city.
- The two played in New York in the last two decades generated more than $140 million each.
The most recent All-Star Game in Atlanta, in 2000, brought $48 million to the region.
In 2017, the Atlanta Braves moved from Atlanta’s Turner Field to Truist Park, which is outside city limits but within the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Cobb County government contributed over $350 million to help fund the new stadium.
