• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Spring Training Delay Threatens $1.3B Economic Impact

  • The delay to baseball’s spring training is threatening $1.3 billion in economic impact in Florida and Arizona.
  • This is the third consecutive year spring training has been disrupted.
MLB-Spring-Training-Arizona
The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

We are still weeks away from baseball’s originally scheduled Opening Day, but the impact of the ongoing lockout is already being felt.

Communities in Florida and Arizona are missing out on combined economic activity worth around $1.3 billion due to the delay of spring training.

The annual exhibition, which was set to begin on Feb. 26, sees half the league’s 30 teams play in Southern and Central Florida’s Grapefruit League, with the other half playing in the Phoenix area’s Cactus League.

  • A study from 2018 found that spring training brought a $687 million impact to Florida, with 1.5 million fans in attendance, 52% from out of state.
  • A separate study found that the Cactus League brought $644 million to the area in 2018. The league said that 1.8 million people attend each year, 60% from out of state.

While MLB and the MLBPA have resumed talks, the two sides remain far apart on core economic issues and are still debating rule changes to the sport.

Three-Year Impact

The lockout is just the latest hit to spring training communities, which saw the previous two seasons impacted by the pandemic. 

Spring training was cut short in March 2020 and was played with around 25% fan attendance in 2021.

The MLBPA established a $1 million fund to support stadium workers and others impacted by the delay in the season. MLB said it will create a similar program.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 7, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of fans outside of Truist Park before the game on Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

Philly Rips Page From Rival Playbook With Sports Complex Revamp

Philadelphia’s mayor frequently touts the influential Braves development.

Don’t Call It a Comeback, but Reds Have Returned to RSN

The regional sports network operator reaches another revised MLB club rights agreement.

As Rams Play in Arizona, Lakers and Clippers Resume Games in L.A.

The two NBA teams in Los Angeles have lengthy homestands this month.
Race leader and eventual stage winner Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the final kilometer up the finish climb of stage 19 from Logroño to Alto De Moncalvillo (ESP/168km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 6 September. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202409060905 // Usage for editorial use only //Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) congratulated by teammate Florian LIPOWITZ (DEU/RedBull - BORA - hansgrohe) after a very strong stage 13 from Lugo to Puerto De Ancares (ESP/171km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 30 August

Red Bull Is on a Hot Streak in Sports. Can It Win..

The company is betting on a big future in cycling.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (R) reacts on the sidelines in the final minute against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome.
January 9, 2025

Amid Realignment Mania, Notre Dame Stayed Independent. It Paid Off

How the CFP semifinal-bound Fighting Irish made their business model work.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
January 3, 2025

The Biggest Changes to College Sports Are Coming in 2025

Sweeping developments could affect the college sports foundation this year.
Dec 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) walks out to the rink before the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field
January 1, 2025

Glitzy NHL New Year’s Eve Winter Classic Showcased Connor Bedard’s Star Power

The business of Bedard—on full display—is crucial for the NHL.
Russ Brandon

UFL President: NFL Used to View Private Equity Like Gambling 

The longtime NFL executive is stunned by the league’s evolution on PE.
October 24, 2024

Endeavor, TKO Consolidate Sports Assets, Hoping They’re Better Together

The move brings On Location, Professional Bull Riders, and IMG under TKO.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 1, 2024

Nike CFO Says ‘Adversity Creates Sharper Focus’

Amid a downbeat but expected set of earnings, Nike says it sees signs of optimism.
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Nike shoes worn by Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell in the first half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
opinion
September 28, 2024

New Nike CEO Must Do It

The biggest task the new CEO faces is intangible: Refresh the brand.
A Nike swoosh on a building in Eugene, Oregon.
September 23, 2024

Wall Street: Things Will Get Worse for Nike Before They Get Better

Some analysts are skeptical of how much the new CEO will change.
Crypto.com soccer advertising
September 15, 2024

The Champions League Is Back. So Is Crypto Sponsorship

Crypto investment is making its debut in the biggest European soccer competition.