LWIB: How Has MLB Weathered The Recession?

This week in LWIB, how has MLB so far weathered the recession? And an increasing number of clubs are diversifying their revenue streams. HOW HAS MLB WEATHERED THE RECESSION? The 2009 regular season saw league wide attendance decline approximately 7%. The final attendance was in line with Commissioner Selig’s preseason forecast and given the recession a strong performance. Clubs also practiced widespread ticket discounting and sponsorship revenues were expected to be under great pressure as a result of the cratering of both the financial services and automotive sectors (traditionally amongst the biggest sponsors). TV ratings, both national and local, were a mixed bag but widely considered stable. As the deadline for offering players salary arbitration approaches, agents, players and front offices are assessing the current financial state of the industry. Fewer tickets were sold in 2009 but the more important question is how much revenue did MLB generate during the season? LWIB...