Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The State of MLB Game Costs

  • The cost to attend an MLB game with a family four ranges from $144.25 to see the Arizona Diamondbacks to $376.49 for the Boston Red Sox.
  • The Baltimore Orioles increased costs nearly 30% from last year.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The Baltimore Orioles are once again competing for MLB’s worst record this year, but going to see them at Camden Yards has gotten significantly more expensive.

The Orioles had the biggest year-to-year increase in estimated cost for a family of four to see a game, rising 29.4% to $245.77.

The numbers, calculated by Team Marketing Report and compiled by The Athletic, show a wide spread of in-game revenue across MLB.

  • The ​​$376.49 a family might spend seeing the most expensive team, the Boston Red Sox, is more than double the bottom four: the Pittsburgh Pirates ($183.86), Tampa Bay Rays ($179.86), Miami Marlins ($174.54), and Arizona Diamondbacks ($144.25).
  • The Orioles’ price increase was more than double that of the next-highest team, the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox, whose estimated cost rose 14.4% to $253.25.

MLB took in $10.7 billion in 2019 revenue but said it lost $3.1 billion last year in its pandemic-shortened 60-game season. Teams laid off hundreds of employees in 2020.

Fan revenue accounts for around 40% of team revenue in a typical season.

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

Braves Earnings Show Promise and Pressure of RSN Shift

The club’s revenue surged, aided in part by the earlier season start.
Apr 13, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins hat and glove in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Twins Reporter Leaves The Athletic Over Coverage Reassignment

Rather than staying at The Athletic, Aaron Gleeman is going independent.

Kim Ng: Don’t Expect Robot Umps in Pro Softball Anytime Soon

The AUSL commissioner said her league doesn’t need ABS—yet.

MLB Is Seeing an Early Ratings Lift From New-Look TV Deals

The league’s new-look rights pacts are paying off so far.

Featured Today

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
Sponsored

Paying a Premium: Super Bowl LX Is a Hot Ticket

Super Bowl LX ticket prices are among the highest of the decade. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are buying.
Sponsored

Olympic Hockey Betting Preview: USA and Canada Take Center Ice

Olympic hockey betting odds shift as USA and Canada dominate early action, per BetMGM’s 2026 Winter Games preview.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
February 6, 2026

The Killers and a Seat on the 50: Super Bowl’s Priciest Packages

On Location offers packages ranging from less than $1,000 to over $300,000.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.
Sponsored

TNT Sports and Bleacher Report Head to College

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.
Sponsored

Teeing Up With T-Mobile: How America’s Best Mobile Network Is Driving Golf Forward

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.