The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to reported financial losses for Major League Baseball this past season, largely due to the absence of gate revenue. Without fans in the stands, teams saw their biggest source of profit wiped away.
Team owners argued that they couldn’t justify paying players their full salaries, amounting to a dispute with the Players Association. Despite many rounds of discussions, an economic agreement was not reached, prompting MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to unilaterally impose a 60-game season.
While players were able to receive a prorated salary based on the abbreviated schedule, team payrolls plummeted to lows that hadn’t been seen in decades.
According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Dodgers led the way with a $98.6 million payroll during the 2020 season, which was the smallest of any top spender over the past 20 years:
Major League Baseball payrolls plunged to $1.75 billion during the pandemic-shortened season from $4.22 billion, and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers led with $98.6 million — the smallest for the top spender in 20 years.
Because of the pandemic, MLB will not require any team to pay a penalty for exceeding the luxury tax threshold. Had that not been the case, the New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs faced penalties:
While the luxury tax was suspended, three teams projected to finish over the $208 million tax threshold, based on full payrolls by average annual value and including benefits and a COVID credit of at least $1.5 million per club: the Yankees ($239.8 million), Houston ($224.3 million) and the Chicago Cubs ($216.3 million).
It isn’t clear yet what the financial picture will look like for MLB next season. With two coronavirus vaccines recently being approved for emergency use by the FDA, there is hope that fans will be able to return to ballparks as soon as possible.
MLBPA: Players will report to Spring Training ‘on time,’ expect full 2021 season
Given the uncertain climate, MLB has reportedly considered delaying Spring Training until May. However, the Players Association has made it clear they expect camps to open on time, with the intention of playing a full 2021 season.
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