NYC Mayor Projects MLB Season to Generate $909 Million in Revenue

NEW YORK CITY—Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that the total revenue generated for New York City from the Major League Baseball season is projected to reach $909 million this year, largely thanks to the Bronx’s New York Yankees and Queens’ New York Mets.

On March 26, just prior to the season’s kick-off on March 27, Adams joined Yankees President Randy Levine and Mets President of Business Operations Scott Havens at Yankee Stadium to showcase the significant cultural and economic impact these teams have on the city.

“The figures we have today demonstrate that our local teams are truly a home run for our economy. Whether you’re cheering for the Mets or the Yankees, when our teams compete here in New York City, we all come out on top,” Adams stated. “The two clubs together are set to generate over $900 million in economic contributions throughout the regular season across all five boroughs.”

This year, the Yankees’ home games are projected to bring in an economic impact of $594 million, while the Mets’ home games are expected to contribute $315 million. In 2024, the economic influence of Major League Baseball in NYC reached $950 million, with the Yankees accounting for $606 million and the Mets $353 million.

The mayor elaborated on how events in NYC’s stadiums positively affect the economy, noting, “Whenever anyone spends money at a restaurant, in a stadium, in a retail shop, by purchasing merchandise, or at a hotel, it injects money back into our economy.”

Adams also highlighted the positive effects on tourism, as last year saw 65 million visitors to the Big Apple.

Both teams are scheduled to play 80 or 81 games at their respective home venues, including six matchups against each other this season, an increase from last year’s four. The Subway Series, which pits the two NYC teams against each other, further enhances the economic contributions.

The prospect of a playoff matchup between the Mets and Yankees, along with its potential economic advantages, was discussed during the announcement. Levine noted, “We don’t want to jinx anything.”

The postseason for the Yankees, Mets, and WNBA’s New York Liberty generated $200 million. Deputy Mayor of Communications Fabien Levy added that if the Yankees and Mets met in the World Series, the economic impact would “definitely be significantly more than that.”

Levine praised the mayor’s unwavering support for the Yankees, even during challenging periods.

“The mayor has been incredibly helpful and supportive of the Yankees throughout his tenure. He has helped us achieve these impressive economic figures and has been with us through tough times like the COVID pandemic and the subsequent recovery. Thank you for that,” Levine expressed.

Adams also took a moment to address the recent tragedy involving Brett Gardner, a veteran of the Yankees, whose 14-year-old son passed away on March 21 due to sudden illness while on vacation.