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Across North America, the arrival of spring traditionally coincides with the blossoming of a new Major League Baseball (MLB) season. This year, however, there were legitimate concerns that the season might not go ahead at all.
Dominated by a 99-day lockout, the 2021/22 MLB offseason saw the second longest work stoppage in the league’s 146-year history. When all 30 owners decided to enforce the lockout after MLB’s previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired on 1st December, the start of the new season was plunged into uncertainty.
Indeed, the standoff between MLB owners and the league’s players’ association (MLBPA) would delay both spring training and the 2022 season’s originally scheduled 31st March start date, with the two parties remaining at odds after in-person discussions failed to bring a new agreement.
That all ended on 10th March, when MLB finally struck a new CBA with the MLBPA, which approved the updated terms with a vote of 26 to 12. The league’s 30 owners voted unanimously in favour of the new CBA, concluding a stalemate which had cast serious doubt over the prospect of being able to play a full 162-game season.
The new CBA will see minimum salaries increase by 23 per cent from 2021 to US$700,000 for this season, a figure which will then rise by another US$20,000 each year until 2026. Further details include a competitive balance tax threshold increase to US$230 million, marking a near ten per cent increase on last year, as well as a pre-arbitration bonus pool of US$50 million. With the new agreement, MLB will also switch to an expanded 12-team playoff format.
Another major headline in the build-up to the 2022 season saw tech giant Apple make its long-awaited first foray into live sports by signing a multi-year deal with MLB across nine different territories, including the US and Canada. According to Forbes, Apple will pay MLB US$85 million for each year of the contract, a payment which reportedly comprises of US$55 million for the league’s broadcast rights and US$30 million in advertising rights. On the eve of the new season MLB also confirmed a streaming deal with NBC’s Peacock to air 18 live Sunday morning games per year. Previous reports suggested this would be worth US$30 million a year for an initial two-season term.
Meanwhile, MLB will allow jersey patch sponsorships for the first time in 2023, which is another result of the new CBA. This year could also reportedly see the introduction of helmet deals in time for the 2022 postseason. However unlike jersey partnerships, which are set to be negotiated by the teams, the logos that appear on team helmets are expected to be part of a league-wide agreement.
As the ink dries on MLB’s new CBA, all eyes now turn to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, where one of the most storied and tempestuous rivalries in all of sports will be rekindled when the New York Yankees face the Boston Red Sox to open the new season.
League executives
Commissioner: Rob Manfred
Deputy Commissioner: Dan Halem
General Counsel: Lara Pitaro Wisch
Chief Revenue Officer: Noah Garden
Chief Operations and Strategy Officer: Chris Marinak
Chief Baseball Development Officer: Tony Reagins
Chief Financial Officer: Bob Starkey
Chief Marketing Officer: Karin Timpone
Chief Communications Officer: Pat Courtney
Official partners
Adobe, Arm & Hammer, Budweiser, Camping World, Capital One, Chevrolet, Clear, Citrix, DraftKings, Evan Williams Bourbon, Extreme Networks, FTX, Gatorade, Geico, Good Sam, Google, Google Cloud, Hankook, Hyperice, LoanDepot, Lypsol, Mastercard, MGM Resorts, Mitel, Netspend, Nike, NTT, Oxi Clean, Roman, Scotts, SiriusXM, Spectrum Solutions, Taco Bell, T-Mobile, Woodbridge
Broadcast partners
US
ESPN (US$550 million per year, starts 2022, expires 2028): Seven-year deal includes 30 exclusive regular season games per year, in addition to simulcast rights for ESPN+ and the expanded Wild Card Series.
Turner Sports (US$3.2 billion in total, starts 2022, expires 2028): WarnerMedia-owned broadcaster’s deal includes Tuesday night package and Sunday regular season fixtures, as well as one league championship series each year, two of MLB’s four divisional rounds, and one wild card game.
Fox (US$5 billion in total, signed 2018, expires 2028): Fox is the exclusive broadcast partner of the champion-crowning World Series, as well as one league championship series, two division series and the All-Star Game. It also shows regular season games on Saturdays.
Apple (US$85 million per year, starts 2022, reportedly expires 2028): Apple’s deal, which covers nine territories in total, includes a weekly MLB Friday night doubleheader, as well as live look-in rights in the US.
NBC (US$30 million per year, starts 2022, reportedly expires 2024): The Peacock streaming service will exclusively broadcast 18 Sunday morning games per season and launch on MLB hub on the platform with additional content. The deal also includes the All-Star Futures Game.
Canada
Sportsnet, TSN, RDS, DAZN (MLB Network)
International
China: Tencent
France: BeIN Sports
Spain and Andorra: Movistar Deportes
Netherlands: ESPN
UK and Ireland: BT Sport
Italy: Helbiz Media
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia: Arena Sport
Austria, Germany, Switzerland: Sport1
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden: Nent Group (Viaplay)
Japan: NHK, J Sports, Apple
South Korea: SPOTV
Latin America: ESPN
Mexico: Televisa
Colombia: Telecaribe
Brazil: ESPN
Dominican Republic: CDN SportsMax
Puerto Rico: WAPA Deportes
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): BeIN Sports
Australia and New Zealand: ESPN, Apple (Australia)
The Teams
All valuations are from Sportico’s 2021 ranking of MLB team values. All sponsorship figures quoted have been reported or officially disclosed.
American League
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf
Senior executive vice president: Howard Pizer
Valuation: US$1.65 billion
Home Venue: Guaranteed Rate Field (40,615)
Home venue Operator: Illinois Sports Facilities Authority
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$20.4 million, signed 2016, expires 2026
Other sponsors: Beggars Pizza, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Caesars Entertainment, Coca-Cola, Ford, Geico, Modelo, Proven IT, State Farm, Wintrust
Local media partners: NBC Sports Chicago (TV), WMVP, WRTO (radio)
Cleveland Guardians
Owner: Dolan family
Chairman and chief executive: Paul J. Dolan
Valuation: US$1.375 billion
Home Venue: Progressive Field (34,830)
Home venue operator: Cuyahoga County
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$58 million, signed 2008, expires 2024
Other sponsors: Cleveland Clinic, FirstEnergy Corp, Dollar Bank, MillerCoors, PepsiCo, Sherwin Williams, UnionHome Mortgage, Discount Drug Mart
Local media partners:Bally Sports Great Lakes (TV), WTAM, WMMS (radio)
Debuting in 2022. 😍 pic.twitter.com/EJAyGP3fTe
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 23, 2021
Detroit Tigers
Owner: Christopher Ilitch
President and chief executive: Chris McGowan
Valuation: US$1.33 billion
Home Venue: Comerica Park (41,083)
Home venue operator: 313 Presents
Ballpark naming rights deal: Extension signed 2018, expires 2034, original 30-year deal worth US$66 million
Other sponsors: Chevrolet, PointsBet, PepsiCo, DTE Energy, Little Caesars, Meijer, MillerCoors, Belfor, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan, MotorCity Casino
Local media partners: Bally Sports Detroit (TV), WXYT (radio)
Kansas City Royals
Chairman and chief executive: John Sherman
Chief Operating Officer: Brooks Sherman
Valuation: US$1.15 billion
Home Venue: Kauffman Stadium (37,903)
Home venue operator: Jackson Sports Complex Authority
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Commerce Bank, Molson Coors, Price Chopper, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, University of Kansas Health System
Local media partners: Bally Sports Kansas City (TV), KCSP (radio)
Minnesota Twins
Owner: James Pohlad
President and chief executive: Dave St. Peter
Valuation: US$1.52 billion
Home Venue: Target Field (38,554)
Home venue operator: Twins Ballpark LLC
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$5 million to US$6 per year, signed 2008, expires 2033
Other sponsors: Delta Air Lines, Northland Ford, Pentair, US Bank, Treasure Island, UnitedHealthcare, Securian Financial
Local media partners:Bally Sports North (TV), WCCO, KMNB (radio)
AL East
Baltimore Orioles
Owner: Peter Angelos
President and chief executive: John P. Angelos
Valuation: US$1.7 billion
Home venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (45,474)
Home venue operator: Maryland Stadium Authority
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of America, Geico, Maryland Lottery, McCormick, MedStar Health, Pepsi, PNC, State Farm Insurance
Local media partners: Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (TV), WIYY and WBAL (radio)
Boston Red Sox
Owner: Fenway Sports Group (FSG)
President and chief executive: Sam Kennedy
Valuation: US$4.8 billion
Home venue: Fenway Park (37,731)
Home venue operator: FSG
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Sponsors: Bank of America, Beam Suntory, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Samuel Adams, Coca Cola, CVS Health, Dell EMC, Ford, JetBlue Airways, John Hancock, FW Webb Company, MGM Resorts
Local media partners: NESN, WEII Radio
New York Yankees
Owner: Hal Steinbrenner
President and chief executive: Randy Levine
Valuation: US$6.75 billion
Home Venue: Yankee Stadium (46,537)
Home venue operator: Yankee Stadium LLC
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Audi, Bank of America, Canon, Delta Air Lines, Ford, Hess, Mastercard, PepsiCo, State Farm, T-Mobile, Toyota
Local media partners: Yes Network (TV), WFAN (radio)
The New York Yankees remain one of the biggest brands in US sport
Tampa Bay Rays
Owner: Stuart Sternberg
Co-presidents: Brian Auld, Matthew Silverman
Valuation: US$1.14 billion
Home Venue: Tropicana Field (25,025)
Home venue operator: Tampa Bay Rays
Ballpark naming rights deal:US$1 million a year, signed 1996, expires 2026
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Coca-Cola, Dex Imaging, Gregory, Tampa Bay Times
Local media partners: Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sun Sports (TV), WDAE (radio)
Toronto Blue Jays
Owner: Rogers Communications
President and chief executive: Mark Shapiro
Valuation: US$1.76 billion
Home Venue: Rogers Centre (53,506)
Home venue operator: Rogers Stadium Limited Partnership
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Doordash, Enterprise Holdings, Home Hardware, Maple Leaf Foods, Pizza Nova, TD Bank, Sobeys Inc, WestJet Airlines
Local media partners: Rogers Sportsnet (TV), Sportsnet 590 The Fan (radio)
AL West
Houston Astros
Owner: Jim Crane
Senior Vice President, business operations: Marcel Braithwaite
Valuation: US$2.19 billion
Home Venue: Minute Maid Park (41,168)
Home venue operator: Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
Ballpark naming rights deal:US$100 million, signed 2002, expires 2032
Other sponsors:Anheuser-Busch InBev, AT&T, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, ConocoPhillips, HEB, Houston Methodist Hospital, Lexus, United Airlines
Local media partners: AT&T SportsNet Southwest (TV), KBME (radio)
Los Angeles Angels
Owner: Arturo Moreno
Chairman: John Carpino
Valuation: US$2.46 billion
Home Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim (45,517)
Home venue operator: Angels Baseball LP
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bandai Namco, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Funai, Lexus, Memorial Care, Orange County Health Care Agency, Pechanga Resort Casino, Yakult
Local media partners: Bally Sports West (TV), KLAA (radio)
Oakland Athletics
Owner: John Fisher
President and chief executive: David Kaval
Valuation: US$1.3 billion
Home Venue: RingCentral Coliseum (46,847)
Home venue operator: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$1 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2022
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Chevrolet, Chevron , Clorox, Comcast, Diageo, Geico, Kaiser Permanente, Keurig Dr Pepper, Mechanics Bank, Southwest Airlines, Stanley Black & Decker, State Farm
Local media partners: NBC Sports California (TV), KNEW (radio)
Seattle Mariners
Owner: John Stanton
Chief executive: Catie Griggs
Valuation: US$1.77 billion
Home Venue: T-Mobile Park (47,929)
Home venue operator: Washington State MLB Stadium Public Facilities District
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$87.5 million, signed 2018, expires 2044
Other sponsors: Boeing, KeyCorp, PepsiCo, State Farm
Local media partners: Root Sports Northwest (TV), KIRO (radio)
Texas Rangers
Owner: Ray Davis, Bob Simpson
President: Neil Leibman
Valuation: US$1.84 billion
Home Venue: Globe Life Field (40,300)
Home venue operator: Texas Rangers
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$11 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2048
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Choctaw, Coca-Cola, Comerica, Lexus, Lockheed Martin, Medical City Healthcare, State Farm, Toyota, TXU
Local media partners: Bally Sports Southwest (TV), KRLD (radio)
The Texas Rangers’ US$1.2bn Globe Life Field opened in 2020
National League
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Owner: Ricketts family
President of business operations: Crane Kenney
Valuation: US$4.14 billion
Home Venue: Wrigley Field (41,649)
Home venue operator: Chicago Cubs
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Beam Suntory, Gallagher, Marriott International, Nuveen, Sloan, Toyota, Wintrust
Local media partners: Marquee Sports Network (TV), WSCR (radio)
Cincinnati Reds
Owner: Bob Castellini
President and chief executive: Phil Castellini
Valuation: US$1.4 billion
Home Venue: Great American Ball Park (43,500)
Home venue operator: Cincinnati Reds
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$75 million, signed in 2000, expires 2033
Other sponsors: American Financial Group, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cincinnati Bell, Coca-Cola, Kroger, PNC Financial Services, Procter & Gamble, TriHealth
Local media partners: Bally Sports Ohio (TV), WLW (radio)
Milwaukee Brewers
Owner: Mark Attanasio
President of business operations: Rick Schlesinger
Valuation: US$1.365 billion
Home Venue: American Family Field (41,900)
Home venue operator: Southeast Wisconsin Profesional Baseball Park District, Milwaukee Brewers
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$4 million a year, 15-year deal signed 2019
Other sponsors: Associated Banc-Corp, Aurora Health Care, Fleet Farm, Johnsonville, Molson Coors, Northwestern Mutual, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, SC Johnson, US Cellular, UW Credit Union
Local media partners: Bally Sports Wisconsin (TV), WTMJ (radio)
Pittsburgh Pirates
Owner: Robert Nutting
President: Travis Williams
Valuation: US$1.26 billion
Home Venue: PNC Park (38,747)
Home venue operator: Pittsburgh Pirates
Ballpark naming rights deal: Extension signed 2021, expires 2031, original deal signed in 2001 worth US$30 million
Other sponsors: Allegheny Health Network, Beam Suntory, Coca-Cola, Comcast, FedEx, Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, Teco Peoples Gas, WB Mason
Local media partners: AT&T SportsNet Pittsbirgh, SportsRadio 93.7 the Fan
St Louis Cardinals
Owner & chief executive: William DeWitt JR
Valuation: US$2.36 billion
Home Venue: Busch Stadium (45,494)
Home venue operator: St Louis Cardinals
Ballpark naming rights deal: Value not reported, signed 2004, expires 2026
Other sponsors: Ameren, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Edward Jones, Ford, Mercy Health, National, Wells Fargo, Perficient, Phillips 66, Stifel Financial
Local media partners: Bally Sports Midwest (TV), KMOX (radio)
NL East
Atlanta Braves
Owner: Liberty Media
President and chief executive: Derek Schiller
Valuation: US$2.38 billion
Home venue: Truist Park (41,048)
Home venue operator: Atlanta National Baseball Club Inc
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, 25-year deal signed in 2014
Other sponsors: Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Equifax, Hyundai, Home Depot
Local media partners: Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast (TV), WCNN and WNNX (radio)
Miami Marlins
Owner: Bruce Sherman
Chief executive: N/A – Derek Jeter resigned from role in March
Valuation: US$1.12 billion
Home Venue: LoanDepot Park (36,742)
Home venue operator: Miami Marlins LP
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, signed 2021, expiry not reported
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, AutoNation, Citrix, Dex Imaging, Humana, JP Morgan, PepsiCo, State Farm, Ultimate Kronos Group
Local media partners: Bally Sports Florida (TV), WINZ (radio)
New York Mets
Owner: Steve Cohen
President: Sandy Alderson
Valuation: US$2.48 billion
Home Venue: Citi Field (41,922)
Home venue operator: New York Mets
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$400 million, signed 2006, expires 2026
Other sponsors: Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, DraftKings, Fiserv, Ford, Geico, Hyundai, MillerCoors, New Balance, Tezos, Verizon
Local media partners: SportsNet New York, Pix 11 (TV), WCBS (radio)
Washington Nationals
Owner: Mark Lerner
Chief Operating Officer: Alan Gottlieb
Valuation: US$2.095 billion
Home Venue: Nationals Park (41,313)
Home venue operator: Washington Nationals Baseball Club LLC
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Geico, PNC, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, PNC Financial Services
Local media partners: Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (TV), WJFK (radio)
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Owner: Ken Kendrick
President and chief executive: Derrick Hall
Valuation: US$1.28 billion
Home Venue: Chase Field (48,405)
Home venue operator: SMG
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$2.2 million a year, signed 1998, expires 2028
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, APS, Banner Health, Circle K, Cox Enterprises, Gila River Hotels & Casinos, Molson Coors, PepsiCo, State Farm, University of Phoenix
Local media partners: Bally Sports Arizona (TV), KMVP (radio)
Colorado Rockies
Owner: Richard Monfort
Chairman & chief executive: Gregory Feasel
Valuation: US$1.37 billion
Home Venue: Coors Field (50,144)
Home venue operator: Colorado Rockies Baseball Club Ltd
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$200 million, 30-year extension signed 2017
Other sponsors: Arrow Electronics, Bank of Colorado, Coca-Cola, Comcast, DraftKings, Infiniti, Jack Daniel’s, King Soopers, Molson Coors, State Farm, Toyota
Local media partners: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (TV), KOA (radio)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Owner: Guggenheim Baseball Management
President: Stan Kasten
Valuation: US$4.62 billion
Home Venue: Dodger Stadium (56,000)
Home venue operator: Los Angeles Dodgers
Ballpark naming rights deal: N/A
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of America, Blue Shield of California, Coca-Cola, San Manuel Casino, Security Benefit, State Farm, UCLA Health
Local media partners: SportsNet LA (TV), KLAC (English radio), KTNQ (Spanish radio)
The LA Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger offers significant marketing potential
San Diego Padres
Owner: Peter Seidler
Chief executive: Erik Greupner
Valuation: US$1.755 billion
Home Venue: Petco Park (42,209)
Home venue operator: Padres LP
Ballpark naming rights deal: Extension signed 2021, expires 2027, original 22-year deal worth US$60 million
Other sponsors: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Blue Cross Blue Shield of California, Jig-Saw, National University, Psyonix, Qualcomm, Quidel, State Farm, Sycuan Casino, Toyota, US Bancorp, UC San Diego Health, Viasat
Local media partners: Bally Sports San Diego (TV), KWFN (radio)
San Francisco Giants
Owner: San Francisco Baseball Associates LLC
Chief executive: Larry Baer
Valuation: US$3.49 billion
Home Venue: Oracle Park (41,915)
Home venue operator: San Francisco Baseball Associates LP
Ballpark naming rights deal: US$200 million, 20-year deal signed 2019
Other sponsors: Alaska Air Group, Bank of America, Chevron, Coca Cola, Dignity Health, Levi’s, Molson Coors, Nuveen Investments, StubHub, Toyota, Visa
Local media partners: NBC Sports Bay Area (TV), KNBR (radio)
