New York Knicks Capture 2026 NBA Championship
By Sports Staff Writer
NEW YORK, June 14, 2026 — After more than five decades of waiting, the New York Knicks are once again NBA champions.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, winning the series 4–1 and capturing their first NBA championship since 1973. The historic victory ended a 53-year title drought and sparked celebrations across New York City.
Led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, the Knicks displayed resilience and determination throughout the postseason. Brunson delivered an unforgettable performance in the championship-clinching game, scoring 45 points and leading a fourth-quarter comeback that sealed the victory.
The championship run was fueled by key contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and the rest of a roster that embraced the toughness and grit long associated with New York basketball.
As the final buzzer sounded, fans poured into the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Cheers echoed through neighborhoods as generations of Knicks supporters celebrated a championship many thought they might never see.
The victory places the 2025–26 Knicks among the most beloved teams in franchise history, joining the championship squads led by legends such as Walt Frazier and Willis Reed in 1970 and 1973.
For lifelong fans, the championship represents more than just a basketball title. It is the reward for decades of loyalty through rebuilding seasons, playoff disappointments, and near misses. The phrase “New York Forever” has become a rallying cry for a city finally celebrating basketball’s ultimate prize.
A championship parade is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans as New York honors a team that brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Madison Square Garden and restored the Knicks to the top of the basketball world.
Finals Result: Knicks 4, Spurs 1
Finals MVP: Jalen Brunson
Championships: 1970, 1973, 2026
New York is once again the center of the basketball universe. 
POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE KIDS CELEBRATED SUMMERTIME FUN AND GAMES AT BRONX REGIONAL DAY
On July 25th, PAL’s New South Bronx Center, at 991 Longwood Avenue, hosted the Police Athletic League’s Bronx Regional Day, an exciting day of games, music and community, for young people in grades K-5 and their families. Over 70 children participated in the high-energy event, featuring classic favorites — 3-Legged Races, Tug of War, Relay Races and more. Children lined up for fresh popcorn and snow cones while others held dance competitions with PAL staff and NYPD Community Affairs. PAL’s Bronx Regional Day also included an educational component with the FDNY’s simulations truck teaching children about home fire safety. PAL’s Bronx Regional Day builds strong connections between kids, the community, and first responders—through teamwork and friendly competition. Bronx Regional Day was hosted by PAL in partnership with the NYPD and FDNY, with support from NYC’s Department of Youth & Community Development.
Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 15,000 children and teens annually. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.
YOUNGSTERS FROM THE BRONX CELEBRATED POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE PLAYSTREETS SUMMER OPENING 2025
On July 9th, the Police Athletic League held its city-wide opening of Summer Programs with hundreds of children from PAL centers in the Bronx enjoying summertime fun and games, including double dutch jump rope, nok hockey, hopscotch, face-painting, crafts, sports, board games, rock climbing and more, at PAL’s Harlem Center. Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director of the Police Athletic League, welcomed guests, PAL youngsters and families, and honored PAL’s partnership with the NYPD. Special guests at the ceremony included NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan, and FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker.
Bronx youngsters cooled off under a fire hydrant opened by the distinguished guests and took part in traditional street games and activities provided by the NYPD and FDNY.
The PAL kids were excited to try the portable rock-climbing wall and gaming truck provided by the NYPD. In addition, young people had hands-on access to an FDNY fire truck, and FDNY activities included CPR and first aid simulations and a visit from a Canine Unit dog and FDNY robot dog.
Youngsters from the Bronx spoke about the event and what PAL meant to them.
Fatima, 8, from PAL’s Webster Center in the Bronx said, “I enjoy the water day. It’s so hot out, so it’s fun and refreshing. I like to dance, make a lot of friends and laugh. My counselors, Ms. Susan and Ms. Amaya, are the best!”
Destiny, 9, from the Bronx said, “I’ve been coming to PAL for about three years. My favorite counselor is Ms. Amaya. They always have fun things to do like trips, lots of art, and drawing. I’d come back next year. It’s really cool to be here.”
PAL Summer programs take place throughout the five boroughs, providing Playstreets, sports leagues including Cops & Kids teams and day camps. In PAL Summer Day Camps, children develop their creativity through arts and crafts, explore the city on trips to museums and other sites, enjoy sports activities, and learn from a wide range of educational, recreational and cultural arts specialists. PAL Playstreets is the signature summer program of the organization. Playstreets program uses parks and other public areas throughout New York City to give children safe, supervised places to play. Playstreets operate at locations in all boroughs, Monday through Thursday, 11a.m. to 4 p.m., and are free to all New York City children.
Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 15,000 children and teens annually. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.
Kid Scoop Celebrates the Newest Federal Holiday—Juneteenth
by Vicki Whiting, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, Kid Scoop
The history of America is complex. Our founding fathers wrote of freedom for all in principle, but in reality, many people lacked basic freedoms. We know that the Constitution of the United States originally did not permit voting for women, white males without property ownership, and Black Americans which included millions of enslaved men and women. Constitutional Amendments and other laws corrected these omissions, but there is still work to be done to ensure full freedom and access to the blessings of American democracy.
As a former third-grade teacher and mother of two, I created Kid Scoop to bring civic engagement and historically accurate information to children as they learned to read and write—two skills that were denied to enslaved men, women, and children. The joy of reading is discovery. All children deserve to experience the magic of reading. The future of our nation depends on an informed and well-educated electorate.
In that spirit, Kid Scoop has created this Juneteenth page for children—and entire families. We offer this to share in the miracle of American democracy, a system constantly changing with opportunities to right the wrongs of the past and present.
We suggest that your newspaper sponsor this special historical page as professional newspapers are the basic element of a free society.
Winter Olympics Family Fun!
Looking for a special way to honor all the fathers and father-figures in your town? Have children create Father’s Day flags! Kid Scoop shows children how to create these celebratory flags while they practice reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. Publish the flags the kids create!
Any caring man in your community can provide fatherly caring and supportive guidance to young girls and boys. These special men also include grandparents, the local candy store owner, an uncle, a veteran, brothers, volunteer coaches, spiritual leaders, and other men in the lives of children in your town.
There are many prospective sponsors for weekly Kid Scoop pages that throughout the year celebrate dads, moms, grandparents, and amazing leaders. Sponsors include family retailers, education non-profit organizations, and service clubs. Each sponsor’s logo will appear prominently at the bottom of each Kid Scoop page, communicating their support of families and education.
Kid Scoop has been appearing in hundreds of community newspapers for nearly 40 years. Created by a third-grade teacher, Vicki Whiting, Kid Scoop connects young readers to their local newspaper and provides lively reading and math activities that teachers often use for homework assignments. Kid Scoop may look like just plain fun. Actually, each Kid Scoop activity has an important learning purpose. Did you notice the “Standards Links” in small letters? These are important required skills that teachers focus on.
Kid Scoop offers complimentary help in finding sponsors to its newspaper subscribers. Contact Dan “Daddy” Dalton at 909-793-9890 or patiodan@kidscoop.com … and Happy Father’s Day!
Winter Olympics Family Fun!
Use your pencil to ski down the Cortina mountain! Practice math with 10 Olympics skating and skiing pictograms! Have fun with 2026 Winter Olympics geography, history, and vocabulary, too!
Reach out to women who lead foundations at local corporations and local women’s groups. Education-minded Kid Scoop sponsors are looking for ways to motivate children to read and write more—especially after learning loss during the years of COVID. National reading scores have dropped significantly. Future news readers are at risk!
This specific Kid Scoop page is designed to inspire children to write. Every week Kid Scoop brings high-interest, educationally-sound reading and writing (and math, history, biography, science and geography) activities to extend the school day. Teachers know children need to read much more than just during the school day. The more kids read, the more they succeed.
Revenue today and into the future is at stake. To learn more about Kid Scoop, contact Dan “Patio” Dalton at patiodan@kidscoop.com or 909-793-9890.
Katherine G. Johnson—Making History for Women and African American Culture
Discover Obscure Facts About American Presidents
Which president sent the first email?
Which president had the most children?
What sport did our 16th president excel in?
Final Installment of New York State Parks’ Interactive Digital Timeline Looks to the Future of New York State Parks and Historic Sites
Educational tool to be used as a lasting legacy of
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the release of the final installment of the interactive, online timeline, ‘Blazing a Trail: A History of New York State Parks and Historic Sites’, completing a project begun in 2024 in celebration of New York State Parks’ Centennial. This comprehensive project employs photographs, illustrations, paintings, documents, archival footage, maps, and narrative to tell the story of the development of the New York State Parks system. A banner exhibit based on the digital timeline will launch in fall 2025 and travel to locations across the state.
“This final installment of ‘Blazing a Trail’ is a powerful statement of our goals as an agency,” said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Throughout this inspiring journey, we’ve explored the effect of major historic events like the Great Depression and World War II on the development of our system. Here, we share how our agency intends to contribute to shaping the future: uniting New Yorkers by interpreting Our Whole History; protecting our public lands in the face of climate change; meeting the recreational needs of new generations. I’m excited to announce the completion of this ambitious project and look forward to furthering our mission in the future.”
The eighth and final installment of ‘Blazing a Trail’ discusses
‘Blazing a Trail’ is the first time the agency has told its own story in a comprehensive narrative shared with the public. Fragments of the story of New York State Parks and Historic Sites had been told in visitors centers, on interpretive trails, at conferences, and in state publications. ‘Blazing a Trail’ brought them together using a format available to anyone with an internet connection, to learn about the people who shaped the system and to view New York State and American history through the lens of New York’s state park system. As the enduring legacy of the Parks Centennial celebration, it will be a useful tool for years to come.
The project is organized into eight eras of system development. In the first era, users learned about the drive to conserve natural spaces during the rapid development of the late 1800s and the shift in focus from preservation to recreation. In the second era, they met the leaders who created and developed the system of parks and historic sites we know today. The third era took users into the Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II years, exploring how this challenging time for the nation became a watershed moment for the park system with the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and examining the role of the park system during World War II. In the fourth era, users got a look at the seismic societal shifts in the post-war period through the lens of the park system, which developed more recreational opportunities to accommodate the pent-up demand from wartime rationing, the needs of the burgeoning population of young families, and the advance of technology that made modern car camping popular. The fifth era explored the maturation of the system in the 1960s and the passing of the torch from Robert Moses to the Rockefeller brothers. The sixth era covered the close of the twentieth century, with trends towards urban and linear parks and an increased interest in historic preservation sparked by the nation’s bicentennial. The seventh era traced the ups and downs of the twenty-first century, as the system faced budget cuts due to the dot-com bust and the Great Recession, but forged strong community partnerships with advocacy groups and Friends groups to help weather the crises and prevent park closures.
‘Blazing a Trail’ was one of several initiatives celebrating the Parks Centennial. Others included an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel; the Share Your Story project; and the launch of the documentary “From Land to Legacy,” produced by PBS affiliate WMHT. Throughout 2024, many parks and historic sites in the system hosted special Centennial events, including guided hikes and paddles, parties, exhibits, and talks.
About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Parks Announces Community Historic Preservation Grant Awards
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) announced today that six local governments will receive a combined $180,000 in grant funds to support community historic preservation projects. This funding comes from the federal Certified Local Government (CLG) program.
“The Certified Local Government program is a critical asset for communities working to strengthen their historic preservation efforts,” said OPRHP Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “These CLG grants provide funding for targeted training, community education and expanded historic research – helping communities better understand and confidently use preservation resources.”
Established by a 1980 Amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Certified Local Government program is a nationwide initiative that directly links a community’s historic preservation goals to state and federal preservation programs. Each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the CLG program through services designed to help communities protect, preserve, and celebrate their historic resources. Grant application requests this round far exceeded available funding. Six CLGs have been selected to receive grants from the FFY 2025 funding for community preservation projects. Project descriptions and award amounts follow:
City of Kingston, Ulster County – Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan & Design Guidelines
Grant Amount: $50,000
Project Description: The City of Kingston will hire a nationally accredited consultant to concurrently develop its first Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan and City-Wide Historic Design Guidelines. Kingston’s rich cultural and architectural history make these plans critical and prudent tools for city planners, commissioners, policy makers, residents, and local historic property owners. For this reason, the consultant will engage residents, the local government, and SHPO to craft an equitable short-and-long-range vision with clear guidance on projects and treatments to protect, promote, and enhance local historic and cultural resources.
Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County – 2026 Statewide Preservation Conference
Grant Amount: $40,000
Project Description: The Village of Cooperstown will partner with the Landmark Society of Western New York to host the 2026 Statewide Preservation Conference at the Otesaga Hotel & Resort.
City of New Rochelle, Westchester County – Historic Design Guidelines
Grant Amount: $40,000
Project Description: New Rochelle is committed to historic preservation, with more than a dozen locally landmarked sites and one historic district. To advance these efforts and better serve the community, the city will update its historic district design guidelines and manual of styles. The existing documents, from 1988 and 2009, no longer meet current needs. Lacking sufficient in-house resources, the City requires an experienced consultant to complete the updates. Grant funds will support consulting services.
Village of Greenport, Suffolk County – Survey and National Register Nominations
Grant Amount: $25,000
Project Description: The Village of Greenport will utilize grant funds to expand the existing National Register nomination for the Greenport Village Historic District. The original nomination leaves out many properties that may be eligible for inclusion, and this project supports the Village’s goal to maintain a thorough inventory of historic properties that warrant preservation.
Village of Springville, Erie County – Public Education Project
Grant Amount: $20,000
Project Description: The Springville Public Education Project will raise public knowledge and acceptance of local historic preservation programs by leading public information and outreach sessions tailored to the public, elected officials, and to homeowners and commercial property owners in historic districts. The workshop series will highlight Springville’s historic assets and demystify the historic preservation board process through updated brochures and website info. This initiative responds to the demonstrated lack of knowledge about the role of historic preservation in maintaining a healthy community.
City of Syracuse, Onondaga County – Landmark Preservation Board Training Series
Grant Amount: $5,000
Project Description: The City of Syracuse will present a training series for the members of the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board and members of other CLG commissions statewide would be welcome to attend. The series has general topics including board operations (legal and procedural), preservation law, interpretation of design standards, and enforcement. It will also include Syracuse-specific topics regarding city history and the local preservation program. The training will be presented by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, CLG staff, and local experts. The goal of the training is to provide local commission members in Syracuse and statewide with the tools necessary to fulfill its mission and ensure consistent and defensible decision-making.
New York State Parks Announces the Release of a Newly Redesigned Park and Historic Site System Map Updated map design provides new information on affordable recreation opportunities
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the release of an updated New York State Parks and Historic Sites map highlighting affordable options for outdoor recreation and culturally enriching experiences. The first update to a statewide overview of facilities since 2017, new additions to the map include recently opened and renamed parks Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County and Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, as well as the 750-mile Empire State Trail which spans the entire state. In addition to new facilities, more direct information about recreation opportunities like camping, wildlife encounters and swimming have been added, making it easier for New Yorkers to discover new ways to engage with state parks and state historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches, and more.
“The statewide map continues to be a popular resource for our visitors to plan their next trip,” State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said. “As a public resource that informs our visitors on where they can find affordable recreation opportunities, and as an agency that continues to grow and evolve, it was essential to update the map to provide visitors with the most current information. Our hope is that this updated map will make it easier for New Yorkers to unplug from their devices, participate in activity that improves their mental and physical wellness and find the recreation and cultural destinations that matter to them.”
Utilizing a modern minimalist design that presents important information more clearly, the map focuses on the details important to New Yorkers like the location of state parks, state historic sites, boat launches, DEC campgrounds, recreationways and their proximity to major routes of travel. These updates reaffirm the state park and historic site map as an important tool for New Yorkers and out-of-state and international visitors to plan their visits and discover exciting new ways to engage with all the agency has to offer.
In addition, the 2025 New York Camping Guide is now available online and in print. Filled with details about close-to-home campgrounds, the 2025 New York Camping guide features more than 100 photos, a comprehensive listing of all state sites, park descriptions, maps and information on fees, campground amenities and reservation instructions. The guide is also available on the NYS Parks website.
Found at all state park and historic site visitor centers as well as many local and regional tourism centers across the state, the New York State Parks and Historic Sites map is a free publication available to all. Members of the public can request a map or camping guide by e-mailing notes@parks.ny.gov or by calling 518-474-0456.
New York State Parks Explorer App
Supplementing the new map, information about all state parks and historic sites can be found on the New York State Parks Explorer app. Available for iOS and Android, the Parks Explorer app acts as a digital atlas, featuring trail maps, real-time alerts, park contact information, hours of operations, and amenities for all State Park and Historic Site properties. The app also provides ideas for various thematic activities at state parks and historic sites by making use of the Discover section on the homescreen.
About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 88 million visits in 2024. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
AS “WE OUTSIDE SUMMER” CONTINUES, MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES START OF OUTDOOR POOL SEASON AND CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW GOTTESMAN POOL IN CENTRAL PARK
City’s Newest Outdoor Pool Opens at Davis Center in Harlem Meer
Outdoor Public Pools Open Citywide Starting Friday, June 27, Will Remain Open Until Sunday, September 7
City Has Hired 680 Lifeguards This Year, Increase of Nearly 10 Percent From This Time in 2024; Lifeguard Certification Will Continue Through Mid-July
City Announces Return of Adult Lap Swim, Expansion of Free Learn to Swim Programming
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today continued New York’s “We Outside Summer” by celebrating the opening of city public pools starting tomorrow, Friday, June 27. Adams administration officials were joined by Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Betsy Smith and community members to celebrate the start of the citywide outdoor pool season at the city’s newest outdoor pool, the Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center in Central Park. The Adams administration announced that New York City now has 680 lifeguards as of today, an increase of nearly 10 percent from this time in 2024, and a number that is expected to continue to grow as lifeguard certification continues through mid-July. Finally, Mayor Adams announced the return of Adult Lap Swim and the expansion of free Learn to Swim programming.
“New York City’s pools are incredible places for New Yorkers to come together, learn to swim, and beat the heat. During days of extreme heat, like this week — the need for public pools is greater than ever,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re diving into summer and continuing our ‘We Outside Summer’ by opening the new Gottesman Pool at the Harlem Meer and 64 other public pools across the five boroughs. During a heat wave, one of the greatest responsibilities we have as a city is to provide access to resources that keep our most vulnerable New Yorkers cool and safe — and that means opening our public pools and giving our children access to free swim lessons and trained lifeguards, so they are protected in and around the water this summer. This is just another way we are making our city safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”
“Our free outdoor pools are synonymous with summer for so many New Yorkers — they’re incredible amenities that allow people to cool off, have fun, and stay fit,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We’re thrilled to welcome people, for the first time, to the Gottesman Pool, a new crown jewel for the Harlem community, which will serve as a dynamic and welcoming space for recreation and public programs. In addition, this administration continues to prioritize investments in public pool infrastructure and increase access to free swim instruction for young people. We’re looking forward to seeing New Yorkers make a splash this summer at our pools citywide!”
“The Central Park Conservancy is proud to welcome New Yorkers to the Davis Center’s new, state-of-the-art public pool for the 2025 season,” said Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Smith. “This $160 million investment in the park’s north end, the most significant and complex project in our organization’s history, exemplifies how public parks can evolve to better serve their communities. The Davis Center will provide much-needed, year-round access to swimming, skating, and nature for Harlem and northern Manhattan. We are deeply grateful to the city for its partnership in bringing this transformative space to life.”
Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM through 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. NYC Parks operates 53 outdoor pools throughout the five boroughs. New Yorkers can visit the city’s Outdoor Pools page for more information and the Cool It! NYC map for cooling features in every neighborhood — including pools, spray showers, drinking fountains, and more.
This summer, NYC Parks is pleased to expand free Learn to Swim programming from six to 10 outdoor pools throughout the city, furthering the Adams administration’s commitment to increasing access to free classes that help New Yorkers develop critical water safety skills; this includes a new program at Gottesman Pool due to the generous support from Central Park Conservancy. The registration lottery will be available on the NYC Parks website.
Additionally, NYC Parks is pleased to bring back Adult Lap Swim this summer. One pool per borough, including at Van Cortlandt Park pool in the Bronx, Kosciuszko pool in Brooklyn, Thomas Jefferson Park pool in Manhattan, Astoria Park pool in Queens, and Lyons Pool Recreation Center on Staten Island, will allow fitness-minded New Yorkers to take to the water without interruption from other swimmers. Senior Splash will continue at one pool per borough, including at Van Cortlandt Park pool, Kosciuszko pool, Thomas Jefferson Park pool, Astoria Park pool in Queens, and Lyons Pool Recreation Center. All programming will run from July 7 to August 29, 2025.
Last month, Mayor Adams announced the newly named “Elyjha Chandler and Christian Perkins Swim for Life” class at Erasmus High School in Flatbush, Brooklyn in honor of two teenagers who drowned off the coast of Jacob Riis Beach in the summer of 2024. The Adams administration has also invested $5.5 million more to expand free swim safety classes to a total of 18,000 second graders, as first announced in Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City address earlier this year.
In June 2024, Mayor Adams and NYC Parks announced “Let’s Swim NYC,” a $1 billion capital investment over five years to improve and expand the city’s public pool network over the course of five years.
The new Gottesman Pool — part of the recently opened Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, which opened in April — was a $160 million project led by the Central Park Conservancy and was funded with $60 million in city funding, in addition to private donations. Replacing the Lasker Pool and Rink, which was beyond repair, the new elongated oval pool measures 285 by 120 feet, larger than an Olympic-size pool and among the largest public pools in New York City. Built into the site’s natural topography, the pool will transform into an ice rink in the winter and a multi-use turf field in the spring and fall, called the Harlem Oval, ensuring year-round use.
The Davis Center was designed by Susan T Rodriguez | Architecture & Design and Mitchell Giurgola Architects as part of larger re-envisioning of the site by the Central Park Conservancy’s landscape architecture team and is managed seasonally in partnership with NYC Parks.
New Yorkers can be notified about the status of their local pools and beaches by signing up for New York City Emergency Management’s Notify NYC system, and then selecting which pools and beaches they are interested in to be notified by text and/or email of significant updates or temporary closures.
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW YORK YANKEES’ AND NEW YORK METS’ HOME GAMES PROJECTED TO GENERATE OVER $900 MILLION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR NEW YORK CITY DURING 2025 MLB REGULAR SEASON
As Yankees and Mets Prepare for First Home Games, Both Teams Continue to Generate
Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Local Economy, Create Good-Paying Jobs
Announcement Highlights Continued Economic Growth Under Adams Administration
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that New York Yankees’ and New York Mets’ regular home games combined are expected to generate $909 million in economic impact for New York City over the course of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. As baseball season kicks off and both teams prepare for their first home games, the Yankees and Mets continue to drive the local economy in New York City and create local jobs. Today’s announcement highlights the ongoing resurgence and economic growth under the Adams administration since coming into office three years ago.
“Today’s numbers show that our hometown teams continue to be a home run for our local economy. Whether you are a Mets or Yankees fan, when our teams play in New York City, we all win,” said Mayor Adams. “Both teams combined will generate over $900 million in economic impact the regular season alone for the five boroughs — creating good-paying jobs and supporting small businesses. This season, New Yorkers should take themselves out to the ballgame, root for your favorite team, visit their local business, and continue to spend money. Best of luck to the Mets and Yankees this year — I just wish I had a hat that could celebrate both teams. Let’s bring home a championship!”
“New York City’s economy is stronger than ever, and as we gear up for baseball’s opening day, the city will see an estimated $900 million in economic impact from our home teams on top of our already record-setting jobs numbers,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “No matter what happens on the field this season, we’ll all be rooting for our hometown and New York City’s economy is a winner thanks to the Yankees and the Mets. GO NYC!!”
“With baseball returning to the Bronx and Queens, New York City will receive a significant economic boost of over $900 million,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Baseball is a key driver of our local economy — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and encouraging both New Yorkers and visitors to spend money in our city.”
“The Yankees take great pride in being an integral part of the fabric of New York City,” said New York Yankees President Randy Levine. “The significant impact that our home games have on the economic well-being of our city is a tribute not only to our local fans but to those who visit Yankee Stadium from around the world.”
“New York’s sports culture is a huge part of New York City’s appeal, and the Mets are a vital part of that widespread sports fandom,” said New York Mets President of Business Operations M. Scott Havens. “Through ticket sales, merchandise, job creation and other stadium services, we help generate a significant economic impact for the city and state annually.”
Today’s analysis accounts for direct impacts from visitor spending, including tickets, concessions, merchandise, transportation, and lodging for overnight visitors. Additionally, the analysis accounts for stadium employee payrolls and indirect impacts from additional spending by stadium companies and employees. New York Yankees’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $594 million over the course of the 2025 regular season, while New York Mets’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $315 million over the course of the 2025 regular season. The economic impact of Yankees home games is estimated to be higher than the economic impact of Mets homes games because of higher ticket prices and higher expected attendance. While prices are based on current pricing for the 2025 season, expected attendance is based on historical averages for a normal season and should not be viewed as a projection of a team’s performance in 2025. Game attendance is estimated based on home-game averages from 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024.
Today’s announcement is another significant milestone highlighting the city’s near-full economic and tourist recovery post-pandemic thanks to the Adams administration’s leadership. Local sports have been proven to be a major contributor to New York City’s economy. Last October, the 2024 Yankees, Mets, and Women’s National Basketball Association New York Liberty’s postseasons alone in New York City generated nearly $200 million in economic activity from the home games of their respective playoff runs.
Last December, Mayor Adams announced a new end-of-year tourism forecast that shows the city’s continued strong economic growth and reputation as a global tourist destination. In 2024, nearly 65 million visitors came to New York City — the second-highest figure in city history and a 3.5 percent increase from the previous year. The city is on pace to surpass pre-pandemic levels and mark a new high in city history in 2025, marking a full economic recovery. Today’s announcement is another significant milestone highlighting the city’s near-full economic and tourist recovery post-pandemic.
Earlier this month, Mayor Adams celebrated that New York City has, once again, set another record for an all-time high total number of jobs in the city’s history, with 4,861,813 total jobs, according to new data released by the New York state Department of Labor. This is the 10th time the Adams administration has broken the all-time high jobs record since Mayor Adams entered office. Included in the all-time high jobs number is an all-time high private-sector job record with 4,258,376 jobs.
“The projected $900 million in economic activity presents a powerful opportunity to uplift communities like ours — by ensuring that funding and investment reach the people who call District 35 home,” said New York State Assemblywoman Larinda C. Hooks. “That means creating real jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring vendors near our stadiums benefit from this growth. We’re excited to work together on economic strategies that prioritize equity, opportunity, and community-first growth.”
“Juan Soto said it himself that New York is a Mets town, and Queens couldn’t be more excited for the baseball season to get underway this week,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Not only because the Mets are going to bring a World Series title home to The World’s Borough this year, but because we know how much of a home run the team is for Queens’ local economy. With the historic redevelopment of Willets Point next to Citi Field on deck, it has never been a better time to be a fan of the Mets or a resident of Queens. Looking forward to another thrilling and economically beneficial baseball season in The World’s Borough!”
Parks & Trails New York commends Governor Hochul's proposed budget increases for parks and public lands
[Albany, NY] – Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide advocate for parks, trails and public lands since 1985, commends the proposed investments in New York’s public lands announced by Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday in the FY2026 Executive Budget.
The Governor’s budget puts forward increases to critical programs that support visitation and activation of New York’s public lands, including increasing the Park & Trail Partnership Grant program by $500,000 to $2.5 million, and increasing the Connect Kids program by $500,000 to $3.5 million. Both of these programs ensure that New York’s rich, diverse parks, trails and open spaces are able to welcome and captivate a growing number of visitors each year.
The Park & Trail Partnership Grant program empowers grassroots nonprofit groups to enhance and sustain parks, trails, and outdoor spaces across the state. In recent grant cycles $5 million in requests went unmet. An increase to $4 million–$1.5 million more than proposed–would support additional shovel-ready projects and master plans, enhance public access to recreation, and upgrade infrastructure to meet growing visitation demands.
Connect Kids has introduced nearly 800,000 students to New York’s parks and historic sites since 2016. The program funds necessary transportation and outdoor education, but 250,000 students missed out on transformative outdoor experiences in 2024 due to lack of funding. A more substantial increase will come closer to meeting the tremendous demand for this program that allows students to participate in outdoor recreation and its educational and wellbeing benefits, creating more equality and access in New York’s public lands.
The budget proposal also maintains critical capital funding for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation at $200 million per year and for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at $90 million per year. This funding would strengthen the nearly $2 billion already spent revitalizing New York’s public lands over the past decade. These critical investments have caused state visitation to nearly double over that time period. Despite record visitation and improved accessibility efforts, funding for the DEC has remained stagnant since before the pandemic. We look to the Governor to recognize the increasing popularity of the DEC’s sizable 5 million acres of land and accordingly allocate funds for the agency to meet its growing responsibilities.
Increased visitation and continued investment in our public lands directly strengthens local economies, with every $1 million invested generating $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP.
Funding for public spaces not only boosts local economies, it greatly improves the accessibility of outdoor recreation within neighboring communities and beyond. Public lands are for everyone, and with the right level of state investment, we can ensure they remain vital anchors of health, equity, and history for generations to come.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “Though short of what we hope to win in the final version, we commend Governor Hochul for submitting a budget that gets us closer to realizing the full potential of our cherished public lands. Open spaces are essential to New York’s climate strategies, safeguarding critical habitats, enhancing local resilience, and improving quality of life for millions. It’s our responsibility to ensure these spaces remain welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all who need them.”
About Parks & Trails New York
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is the state’s leading advocate for public lands. In the 40 years since our founding, we have been the leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York’s magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 2,000 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and trails. PTNY’s trail programs, which aim to transform unused transportation and other corridors into vibrant public places, have furthered dozens of trail projects and hundreds of miles of trail. For more information, visit www.ptny.org
Stadium Update: Introducing City Square!
Today, New York City FC is excited to introduce to you City Square, a truly unique space in our stadium. Click here to see the new renderings!
City Square will be a flexible area both on matchdays and non-matchdays alike, located at street level at the south end of the stadium. On a matchday, fans with a ticket to the match will be able to access the area right as they enter our stadium through the iconic Cube entrance. On non-matchdays, the area will be open to the public and accessible via garage doors that open out onto the sidewalk.
Among its many functions, City Square will be home to the “Five Boroughs Food Hall.” We are passionate about and committed to bringing the diverse flavors of Queens – and all of New York City – to City Square, and we look forward to working with some of the best local vendors and suppliers from around the five boroughs as we get further along in the process to opening our stadium.
Our plan is for City Square to be a multi-functional space for both our fans and the local community. In addition to its matchday functions, City Square can hold events such as farmers’ markets and food festivals, community events, and even live music performances!
Be part of this exciting new era in NYC and Club history. Place your deposit now for a spot in the new stadium, for as low as $25.
JetBlue Soars into New Partnership with UBS Arena & the New York Islanders
of UBS Arena and the New York Islanders
and a ‘Light Up Long Island’ Activation
- John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 Takeover – Starting at 11 a.m., New York Islanders Legend and four-time Stanley Cup Champion Butch Goring along with the Islanders mascots Sparky and Nyles and the New York Islanders Hype Team will bring the energy of Islanders games and events at UBS Arena to JetBlue’s Terminal 5. Music, giveaways and special surprises are in store for JetBlue customers during their stopover at JFK on September 4.
- Light Up Long Island – At 7 p.m. EST on September 4, the UBS Arena lanterns and the Nassau County Executive & Legislative Building’s Dome will light up blue to welcome JetBlue to the New York Islanders’ home on Long Island.
Photo Credit: Dennis DaSilva/New York Islanders
Video Credit: New York Islanders & UBS Arena
Front Office Sports Announces Inaugural Most Sustainable List
leveraging their reach, influence, and resources to safeguard the planet
- GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership) (Other)
- UBS Arena (Venue)
- World Surf League (League)
- WM (Brand)
- Moda Center (Venue)
- Spectrum Center (Venue)
- Gillette Stadium (Venue)
- Liverpool FC (Team)
- SailGP (League)
- NC State Athletics (Team)
New York State Parks Encourages Empire Pass Holders to Renew their Pass for the 2025 Season Renew Online and Save for the Season
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that online renewals for the 2025 Empire Pass are now available through March 31, 2025. By renewing online, customers can now enjoy greater convenience by keeping their card and will receive a special savings of $8 per card for the 2025 season.
The Empire Pass program provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites, arboretums, park preserves and Department of Environmental Conservation Forest preserves. When renewing online, Empire Pass-holders will keep their existing physical card or digital pass and not have to wait for the pass to be mailed or wait in line to purchase a new pass during peak season.
“We continue to offer options that make it easier and quicker to connect with the outdoors,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our goal is to encourage people to visit state parks, and opting to renew online or go digital provides for a savings and convenience for New Yorkers to take advantage of the Empire Pass and enjoy the parks next season.”
Existing passholders can now renew for next season at shop.parks.ny.gov/renew/, saving $8 off the standard price. The special renewal savings is good through March 31, 2025, and applies to the single-season pass, as well as three- and five-season passes. Cards become activated 24-48 hours after purchase.
New customers can purchase Empire Passes for $80 online at shop.parks.ny.gov/ or by phone 518.474.0458. Three- and five-season Empire Passes are available to new customers for $205 and $320 respectively. The Lifetime Empire Passport can be purchased for just $750. With no expiration date, people who love the outdoors can use the lifetime pass to enjoy the parks forever. There is also a digital version of the Empire Pass that is available to purchase at a discounted price. You can keep and use a digital copy of your pass in the wallet section of the NY State Parks Explorer App.
State Parks also encourages New York’s seniors age 62 and older to take advantage of the Golden Park Program, which provides them free entry into state parks on weekdays (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) simply by showing their driver’s license or state-issued non-driver I.D. when they enter a park.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (
New Installment of New York State Parks’ Interactive Digital Timeline Explores the Great Depression and Civilian Conservation Corps Era
Educational Tool Part of Multi-Faceted, Yearlong Centennial Celebration
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the release of the third installment of the interactive, online timeline ‘Blazing a Trail: A History of New York State Parks and Historic Sites’ in celebration of New York State Parks’ Centennial. This project employs photographs, illustrations, paintings, documents, archival footage, maps and narrative to tell the story of the development of the New York State Parks system. The newest installment, “Depression and A New Deal,” is available here, along with previously released eras.
In the first two eras, users learned about the drive to conserve natural spaces during the rapid development of the late 1800s and the shift in focus from preservation to recreation. They met leaders who were instrumental in creating the system of parks and historic sites we know today and guiding its development. The third era, split in two parts, will take users into the Great Depression and New Deal years, exploring how this challenging time for the park system became a watershed moment with the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). More than 220,000 CCC members built key park infrastructure from bridges to cabins that is still in use today. At New York State Parks, an all-Black unit with Black leadership was deployed at Newtown Battlefield State Park, and a lesser-known women’s version, Camp Tera, was piloted at Bear Mountain State Park.
This era’s initial section explores the period between 1930 and 1945. The second section will cover 1940 to 1945 and will explore the effect of World War II on the park system. Additional eras launching throughout the year will cover the development of the system under the post-World War II Rockefeller administration, the creation of the modern Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), efforts to expand the agency’s diverse portfolio of parks, and more. Future eras include 1945-1959, 1960-1971, 1972-1999, 2000-Today, and Tomorrow and Beyond. Each era includes the individual histories of the parks and sites added in the timeframe.
Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Randy Simons said, “An anniversary such as the Centennial is a time to recognize and appreciate our whole history, celebrate our people today and plan for the next 100 years. Like so many, the Great Depression was a moment of great adversity our young park system. It’s inspiring to learn how such difficult times produced such unity and determination, and sowed the seeds for the tremendous social change that was to come. All year long, we’ve been inviting each and every New Yorker to share their parks stories. We’re pleased to be sharing our own through this project.”
‘Blazing A Trail’ is one of several initiatives celebrating the Parks Centennial. Other initiatives include an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise. Centennial events and exhibits will take place at individual parks all summer long, ranging from parties to special hikes and programs. Additional initiatives will be announced throughout 2024.
Inspired by USA hockey, Skenes has another gold in mind
BRADENTON, Fla. — The images on the TV screen in the Pirates’ clubhouse at LECOM Park were instantly iconic. In the aftermath of one of the greatest gold medal hockey games ever played Sunday, there were the members of Team USA, draped in American flags and forever bonded by what they had just accomplished together in a 2-1 overtime win over Canada.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes watched as the Americans celebrated the country’s first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the famed “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 — 22 years before he was born.
Pirates single-game tickets for 2026 season are on sale now!
“It’s pretty cool,” Skenes said, eyes glued to the screen. “It’s what we’re walking into.”
Skenes, the former Air Force cadet turned Cy Young winner, altered the trajectory of the American entry in the 2026 World Baseball Classic when he committed to the cause early.
2026 World Baseball Classic
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After Team USA won the global baseball event in 2017, manager Mark DeRosa’s squad had no trouble recruiting some of the best position players in the game in 2023. But the country’s top pitchers were a tougher sell … until Skenes became the 2026 club’s pitching pillar. Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb and other All-Star arms followed in line, and now Team USA has one of the best baseball rosters ever assembled.
WBC Roster Reveal: United States
Feb 5, 2026 · 3:34
WBC Roster Reveal: United States
With multiple family members having served in the military, the 23-year-old Skenes takes his commitment to his country seriously. And those Olympic images only intensify his excitement for the World Baseball Classic, which for Team USA formally begins with pool play against Brazil on March 6 in Houston.
Though admittedly no hockey expert (and somewhat reluctant to root against a Canadian team that had Penguins hero Sidney Crosby on its roster), Skenes knows what that moment meant to the Americans on the ice.
“I watched the movie ‘Miracle,’ and I’ve watched the Olympics and the 2017 WBC when Team USA won,” said Skenes, who has donned a belt with a small image of the American flag and red, white and blue cleats during this camp. “And I’ve also gotten the chance to play for Team USA a couple times. We haven’t won the gold yet. It’s not a good feeling to go to another country and lose to them. We’re looking to change that.”
Come March 1, Skenes will be departing the Pirates’ Grapefruit League grounds and head off to Arizona to train with Team USA. Those images he saw Sunday only intensified his desire to return to the Buccos in March with the gold-medal goal accomplished.
“It’s bigger than all of us,” he said of representing the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.
And it starts soon.
USA's hockey gold medal had some Blue Jays thrilled. Others not so much
DUNEDIN, Fla. — For three hours, baseball didn’t matter. Sunday morning was for hockey, the Blue Jays’ complex divided between Canadians, Americans and those who were just trying to figure out what all the fuss was about.
Moments after Jack Hughes scored in overtime to win Team USA the gold medal in men’s Olympic hockey over Team Canada, George Springer burst out of the Blue Jays’ clubhouse. He’d already been wearing his Team USA jersey and hat all morning.
Blue Jays single-game tickets for 2026 season are on sale now!
A half hour later, he was digging in for at-bats against Kevin Gausman, jersey still on with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He might sleep in it tonight.
It’s a heartbreaking morning for millions of Canadian hockey fans, many of whom are still getting over the Blue Jays’ Game 7 loss to the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series. Just days after the Canadian women’s team lost 2-1 in the gold medal game to the United States, the men’s team met the same fate. Inside the Blue Jays’ clubhouse, though, and on the fields nearby, you could find everything from heartbreak to elation to confused curiosity.
Inside the clubhouse, Springer and Ernie Clement are the Blue Jays’ hockey guys. Before Springer arrived earlier in camp, photos of Team Canada beating Team USA over the years were taped all over Springer’s locker. Naturally, it was done with hockey tape. Clement is the resident Miracle on Ice historian, famously breaking out the Herb Brooks quote — “We are a team of uncommon men” — after Game 4 of the World Series in L.A.
Manager John Schneider, on the other hand, aligned himself with Canada. Smart man.
“I’m an honorary Canadian. I want them to win, not the U.S. I said it,” Schneider said earlier in camp. “I don’t like U.S. hockey. I think Canada has the best hockey in the world, so I want Canada to win the Olympics. I said it. I’m sorry.”
A Team Canada jersey hung on the door of Schneider’s office Sunday, with No. 14 and “Schneider” across the back, a gift from Canada head coach Jon Cooper.
“It was already hanging in George’s locker today,” Schneider said midway through the first period. “He wasn’t thrilled.”
While Canadian media watched the first period in the clubhouse, which included a roar from all of the American players for USA’s first goal, some other players gave it only a passing glance. MLB clubhouses aren’t exactly overflowing with hockey guys. Andrés Giménez said that he knew there were three periods and that those periods were 20 minutes each, but that’s about it.
Ernie Clement discusses joining Team USA for the WBC
Feb 21, 2026 · 3:27
Ernie Clement discusses joining Team USA for the WBC
Inside the media workroom for the remainder of the game, members of the Japanese media quickly learned just how serious this was for the Canadians around them. When one member of the Japanese media suggested that it wasn’t the end of the world after Hughes scored in overtime, we quickly assured them that it was actually very close. Canadian stereotypes were only deepened here Sunday morning.
It was fascinating to see all of this come together. There were hockey-crazed Canadians, including many of the Blue Jays’ full-time staff, some of whom were wearing jerseys around the clubhouse this morning. The American players ranged from Springer, who may still be howling into the Dunedin skies, to those who chose to take BP during the third period. Around 10:15 a.m., when Clement’s group finished taking ground balls, he bolted for the clubhouse doors to watch the end of the game.
If he runs like that this season, he’ll steal 70 bags.
Then, there were many of the Latin players and members of Japanese media, all learning in real time just how important this game was to these stressed and cursing Canadians. When Clement told Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that the score was 1-0, Vladdy asked, “For you guys?” Vladdy isn’t just Canadian-born, but he knows his audience.
Game 7 of the 2025 World Series was watched by 18.5 million Canadians, which is roughly 45% of the country’s population. It was the biggest audience since the 2010 Olympic gold medal game, when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal. Sunday morning’s game could land in that neighborhood, too.
These moments are so rare. You can add in the 1992-93 World Series and The Tragically Hip’s final concert in 2016, which was broadcast nationally on CBC. It’s a short list of moments that have truly brought Canada together like this.
The Blue Jays hold the power to do it again, and at this point, Canada is due.
New York Knicks Headed To The NBA Finals!
The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals after an incredible playoff run that has excited basketball fans across New York and beyond.
The Knicks dominated the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in four straight games. Their strong teamwork, tough defense, and outstanding performances helped them earn a spot in the championship series.
Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks have shown determination and resilience. Players stepped up in key moments, and the team worked together to overcome every challenge. Their fans have filled the arena with energy and support, creating an exciting atmosphere for every game.
This marks one of the most successful seasons in recent Knicks history. Many longtime fans have waited years to see their team return to basketball’s biggest stage. The city’s excitement continues to grow as the team prepares for the NBA Finals.
The Knicks will now face the winner of the Western Conference Finals. Coaches and players are focused on preparing for the championship series and bringing an NBA title back to New York.
As the Finals approach, fans everywhere will be watching to see if the Knicks can complete their remarkable journey and capture the championship trophy.
Go Knicks!
Yankees just running it back in '26? Cashman begs to differ
https://www.mlb.com/yankees/tickets/spring-training/group-tickets?partnerId=it-20260223-17017277-nyy-1-A&utm_id=it-20260223-17017277-nyy-1-A#luxury-suites
Why move to Mets could unlock the best of Bichette
Thomas Harrigan
Mets introduce Bo Bichette
Jan 21, 2026 · 2:30
Mets introduce Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette has a new team, a new position and (likely) a new lineup spot. The question now is whether those changes will bring out an even more valuable version of the two-time All-Star than the one we saw with the Blue Jays.
After seven seasons with Toronto, Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets on Jan. 20. The longtime shortstop is moving to third base for the first time in his professional career, and he’s expected to bat third, right behind Juan Soto — a spot that could do wonders for his offensive production.
Mets Spring Training Tickets are on sale now!
Conventional wisdom has long held that a hitter’s performance can be impacted by who comes after him in the lineup, based on the idea that having a better hitter behind you will get you better pitches to hit. But many studies have debunked that notion, showing that who bats behind a player likely has little measurable effect on the pitches he sees.
Who bats before you, though, can matter a lot.
Batting behind Soto, who has drawn more walks (896) and posted a higher on-base percentage (.417) than anyone else since the outfielder debuted in the Majors, should give the 27-year-old Bichette plenty of chances to bat with runners on.
Just look at former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who spent much of 2025 following Soto in the Mets’ lineup. Nearly 51% of Alonso’s plate appearances came with at least one runner on base, the highest rate in MLB (minimum 300 PAs).
Highest % of plate appearances with a runner on base, 2025
Min. 300 PAs
1. Pete Alonso: 50.8%
2. Drake Baldwin: 50.4%
3. Vinnie Pasquantino: 50.1%
4. Cody Bellinger: 50.0%
5. Danny Jansen: 49.9%
Bichette, meanwhile, has never batted with runners on base more than 45% of the time in a season. Last year, 43% of his plate appearances came with men on.
In general, hitters tend to perform better with runners on base than they do with the bases empty. The disparity for Bichette is bigger than most.
During his career, Bichette has been an MVP-caliber hitter with runners on base, posting a 144 wRC+. With the bases empty, he’s been only slightly above league average, recording a 107 wRC+ (100 is considered average). That 37-point gap is one of MLB’s largest since Bichette’s first season in 2019.
Biggest difference in wRC+, runners on – bases empty
Since 2019, min. 1,000 PAs with runners on base
1. Salvador Perez, +45
2. Ozzie Albies, +40
3. Bo Bichette, +37
4-T. Eddie Rosario, +36
4-T. Kyle Tucker, +36
That pronounced difference in his production illustrates why batting behind a player like Soto could be especially beneficial for Bichette. Alonso, for what it’s worth, had a 176 wRC+ with men on last year, compared to a 105 wRC+ with the bases empty.
Carlos Mendoza, David Stearns on Bo Bichette signing
Jan 21, 2026 · 3:22
Carlos Mendoza, David Stearns on Bo Bichette signing
The defensive switch could also have a positive impact on Bichette’s overall value.
Bichette hasn’t played third base since high school, so the Mets are taking a risk here. At the same time, he has never been a particularly strong defender at short. In fact, his fielding run value of -27 ranks third worst among shortstops going back to 2019.
Lowest fielding run value at shortstop, since 2019
1. CJ Abrams: -37
2. Amed Rosario: -28
3. Bo Bichette: -27
4. Jorge Polanco: -19
5. Luis García Jr.: -15
In 2025 specifically, he was worth -10 runs, ranking last at the position. Merely performing as an average third baseman in 2026 would still be a notable improvement over his showing last year. Of course, the Mets are banking on him being much better than that, viewing him as a key part of the club’s plan to improve its run prevention.
His defensive flaws aside, Bichette was already a superb contributor with the Blue Jays. He’s a lifetime .294/.337/.469 hitter with a 122 wRC+, and he’s produced at least 3.8 fWAR in each of the four years in which he’s played more than 81 games.
Even if he largely remains the same player, he’ll be an impactful addition for the Mets. However, as he starts this new chapter in Queens, it’s not hard to imagine him taking his game to another level in 2026.
Belli glad his road led back to Bombers: 'Grass ain't always greener'
Bryan Hoch
Yankees discuss return of Cody Bellinger
Jan 28, 2026 · 4:00
Yankees discuss return of Cody Bellinger
NEW YORK — There is a belief within the Yankees’ clubhouse that if they could somehow replay the American League Division Series, the outcome would be different. Aaron Judge said as much minutes after the final out, when he said the club would like to “run ‘em back and see what happens.”
They are going to have that chance, or at least something close to it.
Yankees single-game tickets for 2026 are on sale now!
The 2026 Yankees will not be identical to last year’s club, but they’ll have striking similarities, highlighted by a move that is expected to be their offseason capper: re-signing Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract.
“I feel really good with that,” Bellinger said Wednesday on a Zoom conference. “Obviously, it might not be what everyone wants to hear, but I really do love the group that we had. We had a special, special unit. We had great chemistry that I don’t think can be understood unless you’re inside the clubhouse.
“We all play for each other and, on top of that, we have some important pieces coming back. I’m excited to run it back with those guys.”
Bryan Hoch on Yankees re-signing Bellinger
Jan 22, 2026 · 7:04
Bryan Hoch on Yankees re-signing Bellinger
Beyond Bellinger, the Yankees retained several familiar faces this winter, including Trent Grisham ($22.025 million qualifying offer), Tim Hill ($3 million), Amed Rosario ($2.5 million), Ryan Yarbrough ($2.5 million) and Paul Blackburn ($2 million).
Their most notable external addition was left-hander Ryan Weathers, acquired from the Marlins on Jan. 13. Weathers is expected to help stabilize the rotation early in the season until Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole return from their respective injury rehabs.
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“I disagree that it’s the same team, running it back,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “It’s going to be some differences, and the competition is going to be different, too. In some cases, some teams got better. Some teams, you could argue, maybe got a little bit worse.
“Our division is the best in baseball. But long story short — one [playoff] series, make or break, is not going to define what we think our capabilities are.”
Keeping Bellinger in pinstripes for another run was a priority, according to Cashman, who publicly thanked managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner for “allowing us to stay in it in a very significant way.”
Bellinger and agent Scott Boras were said to be seeking six or seven years, with the Yanks unwilling to exceed five. Ultimately, the sides compromised on a contract that included a pair of opt-outs and front-loaded salaries.
“We were negotiating with a titan in Scott Boras,” Cashman said. “It took me and Hal and [team president] Randy Levine to figure out a solution that would make sense for everybody involved and try to outpace the market.”
There was a point, Bellinger acknowledged, that he began to wonder if his time in the Bronx would be a one-and-done.
“When you get into a locker room where it’s about winning and doing it for each other, you don’t really want to leave it,” Bellinger said. “Grass ain’t always greener on the other side.”
The 30-year-old was a productive fit in pinstripes after being acquired from the Cubs in a December 2024 salary dump, enjoying a bounce-back campaign that saw him bat .272/.334/.480 (125 OPS+) with 25 doubles, 29 homers and 98 RBIs across 152 games.
Bellinger’s versatility was an asset for manager Aaron Boone, who used him at all three outfield positions and first base. His return projects to complicate the outlook for Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, who were in line to compete for left-field reps this spring.
“Belli is that true, versatile player that can go be really successful all over the diamond,” Boone said. “So we’ll see how everything plays out. The reality is, we have a lot of really good players. And Jasson and Spencer are part of that.”
Three years ago, Judge declined to play in the World Baseball Classic, citing a busy winter that finished with a nine-year, $360 million contract and being named the Yankees’ first captain since Derek Jeter.
Bellinger expressed a similar mindset on Wednesday, saying that while he’d like to play in the Classic at some point, his priority now is preparing for the season ahead.
“I just want to focus on what’s here and the task at hand,” Bellinger said. “I owe it to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankee organization to go and get my best foot forward and try to win a championship.”
DEC REMINDS OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TO SHARE THE WOODS SAFELY THIS SEASON
New York City FC can today confirm that their final two home matches of the MLS Regular Season are scheduled to take place at Red Bull Arena. Due to the MLB Playoffs schedule, both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are currently unavailable.
Additionally, New York City FC’s match against Nashville SC, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 5, has been moved to Sunday, October 6 at 4pm ET.
In the event Citi Field or Yankee Stadium become available, the Club will make every effort to play these matches at one of these two venues.
Wednesday, October 2
New York City FC vs. FC Cincinnati
Red Bull Arena
7:30pm ET kickoff
Sunday, October 6
New York City FC vs. Nashville SC
Red Bull Arena
4pm ET kickoff
Save the Date!
Stadium Update: “The Cube,” Coming 2027
New York City FC is excited to share new renderings and a short fly-through video of the main entrance for our proposed stadium project in Queens! We believe our stadium’s entrance, “The Cube,” will be the most dynamic entrance of any MLS stadium. Click here to see the new renderings and video! As the main entrance to our stadium and the first thing you’ll see as you arrive at the stadium from the south, The Cube will be integral to the matchday experience. We’re confident that it will give our fans a real sense of pride and its uniqueness will naturally draw people in. The Cube also serves as a symbol, representing two things. First, the cube represents stability and permanence; this is our home and we’re here to stay. Second, its equal dimensions will represent equality and fair play – two values that are at the heart of our club. Standing at over 7 stories high, The Cube will be an immersive experience, lined with 11,000+ square feet of LEDs. It will be an everlasting, experiential installation capable of projecting incredible video, photography, and graphic elements. To secure your spot in New York City FC’s new proposed stadium, sign up for a membership today! |
arlier today, New York City FC’s stadium project reached a significant milestone: the New York City Council voted to approve the construction of the next phase of the Willets Point development project, including our stadium! Following today’s vote, the only step left to complete the ULURP process is for Mayor Adams to review and sign off on the project, which is expected in the coming days.
This is a long-awaited moment in our club’s history. New York City FC’s new stadium will be the first-ever soccer-specific stadium in New York City, opening in 2027 in Willets Point, Queens. Click here to sign up to get the latest news about New York City’s new stadium and to find out how to become a member and gain priority to reserve your seat in the future!
New York City FC
| New York City Football Club fans, the first look at your new planned STADIUM is finally here. Yesterday, NYCFC presented early renderings of the proposed Willets Point project. Inclusive of that project is what one day will be the best soccer-specific stadium in North America. This public-private partnership with the City of New York will not only include New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium, but it will also feature:
Click here to become a member and secure your spot in NYCFC’s new planned stadium! |
MLB makes initial CBA proposal to address competitive balance
Mark Feinsand
Major League Baseball extended an initial economic proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement to the MLB Players Association on Thursday, introducing a number of changes, including a salary cap and floor that the league believes will address competitive balance within the sport.
“Baseball has gotten stronger because we listened to the fans and made necessary changes on the field, like the pitch clock, to quicken the game and ABS Challenge to get the most important calls right,” MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said in a statement. “The biggest issue we need to solve next to continue to grow the game off the field is fixing the payroll disparity unseen in any other major U.S. sport. Ultimately the game is about hope and competition and too many fans in too many markets have too little hope their team has a fair chance to win.
“Fans overwhelmingly support a salary cap and floor like in the other leagues because they don’t believe a $446 million spending gap from top to bottom is a fair fight. Our salary cap and floor proposal levels the playing field while sharing baseball revenue with the players 50/50 as we grow the game together. Further, by sharing media revenue equally as part of our proposal, we can address another top fan concern of local TV blackouts. We look forward to working with the MLBPA during the bargaining process to continue improving the game for the fans.”
The proposal is for a seven-year term that would begin in 2027 and extend through 2033. A salary cap and floor, 50-50 split of revenue, and addressing the issue of blackouts through centralized media and revenue sharing reform are among the highlights of MLB’s proposal.
Salary cap and floor
In this proposal, MLB would install a salary cap and floor, with no club permitted to exceed the cap and all clubs required to comply with the floor.
In 2027, the salary floor would be set at $171.2 million, meaning that 12 teams would be required to increase payroll by a combined $617 million to meet the floor, enabling more clubs to pursue free-agent players and retain their homegrown stars.
Those 12 teams, based on 2026 Opening Day payrolls, are the Marlins, Guardians, Rays, White Sox, Cardinals, Nationals, Pirates, Twins, Brewers, Athletics, Rockies and Reds.
The salary cap for 2027 would be $245.3 million, meaning that eight clubs – the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Red Sox, Padres and Braves – would be required to reduce payroll by a combined $578 million. Salary cap and floor figures would utilize Competitive Balance Tax payrolls, which include benefit costs consistent with the current format (projected to be approximately $23 million per team in 2027).
The proposed salary cap would be slightly higher than the current CBT threshold, which stands at $244 million. According to the league, the salary cap and floor system would create a more even playing field, giving MLB greater flexibility to address some of the players’ long-standing concerns regarding the Reserve system, which ties a player to the club that originally signed them for the first six years of their Major League career before they are eligible for free agency.
Over the past decade, MLB’s regular season and postseason have been dominated by large-market teams, with nearly 80% of teams in the League Championship Series, 85% of teams in the World Series, and 90% of teams to win a championship have come from a top-15 market.
Since 2012, only one team from a bottom-15 market has won a World Series (the 2015 Royals), while the NFL (5), NBA (7) and NHL (7) have all seen smaller-market teams win it all under salary cap systems.
50-50 split of revenue
Under the league’s proposal, players would receive 50 percent of baseball revenue, enabling players and clubs to share equally as the sport’s revenue grows. There would be no reduction in compensation or benefits for Major League players under the proposal, and they would receive more compensation in aggregate in 2027 than they are currently receiving this season.
According to MLB, player compensation has not kept up with revenue growth the way it has in other sports. Since 2003, the league’s revenues have grown 247%, while player payroll has grown 149%.
The league is proposing that both MLB and the MLBPA retain an independent accountant to verify the financials. The proposed definition of “baseball revenue” matches the approaches used in other leagues, providing the MLBPA with comparable independent audit rights and protections as the unions in the NBA, NFL and NHL.
NBA players receive between 49-51% of revenue based on predetermined benchmarks outlined in the CBA. NFL players receive 48% of revenue, while the NHL splits revenue 50-50 with its players, similar to what MLB is currently proposing.
Under this proposal, all current and future guaranteed contracts will continue to be guaranteed, resulting in no changes for players already signed beyond 2026.
Addressing blackouts through centralized media and revenue sharing reform
The league’s proposal would centralize revenue from all local media, sharing it equally among all 30 teams.
MLB believes this change will accomplish a top priority for fans by addressing local market blackouts while also increasing exposure for players and teams. Players would receive 50% of any increase in media revenue under the current proposal.
The league’s current revenue sharing program – which the MLBPA has long argued disincentivizes growth – would be replaced, as the centralization of local media revenue would reduce revenue disparity among the 30 teams.
The Commissioner would have the ability to implement a supplemental local revenue sharing system among teams to ensure lower-revenue clubs can comply with the salary floor.
Murakami set for imaging after exiting with right hamstring tightness
Scott Merkin
CHICAGO — Munetaka Murakami was one of the first White Sox players to greet Miguel Vargas in the clubhouse following Vargas’ walk-off home run in a 4-3 victory over the Tigers in the 10th inning Friday night at Rate Field.
In a perfect world, Murakami would have been on base for Vargas, hitting one spot in front of him in the power-packed White Sox lineup. But Murakami was out of action by the time of this thrilling finish and could be sidelined for a little bit of time.
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Murakami departed Friday’s contest with right hamstring tightness after beating out a one-out fielder’s choice grounder to second in the third inning. He is undergoing further evaluation and imaging Saturday, according to the White Sox.
“Looks like a little hamstring strain on the initial evaluation. He’ll get some imaging tomorrow, but probably a couple weeks,” White Sox manager Will Venable said of Murakami’s recovery timeline. “Nothing official, got to continue the evaluation. But it might be a couple weeks.”
“We’re going to stay positive,” said White Sox right-hander Erick Fedde, who worked four bulk innings on Friday. “We won today. The boys battled. Obviously he’s the heart of our lineup and someone that’s been amazing, but these things happen and [it’s] the next man up. That’s kind of the mentality we have to have.”
After reaching first base, Murakami appeared to grab at his right hamstring and wince as he was walking back to the bag. Venable and head athletic trainer James Kruk came to check on Murakami, and he quickly departed and was replaced by Luisangel Acuña, who scored from first on Vargas’ double in the next at-bat.
What happens to the White Sox with Murakami, his 20 home runs and exceptional approach at the plate out of the lineup?
Jacob Gonzalez, the left-handed-hitting No. 23 White Sox prospect (per MLB Pipeline), was pulled from Friday’s game for Triple-A Charlotte and appears to be on his way to Chicago. The White Sox top pick from the 2023 Draft has a 1.087 OPS, 19 home runs and 62 RBIs for the Knights in his best year with the organization.
Gonzalez plays second, shortstop and first base, while Vargas plays third and first and Colson Montgomery plays shortstop and third, which gives a hint of the versatility within the White Sox. They have two more games against the Tigers this weekend at home, where they now have a 14-3 record over their past 17 contests. They then kick off a road trip with three games in Minnesota next week, and the club currently boasts a 9-3 record against the American League Central.
But business then picks up with a three-game series at Philadelphia, a return home against the Braves and Dodgers and then a trip to Yankee Stadium. With or without Murakami, more will be known about the White Sox by the end of June.
“We’ll talk about it,” Venable said. “I think the first thing is to see where Mune is at. We’ll start talking about what potential options there could be if it’s an IL, and go from there.”
“We know the big piece that Mune is for the team and what he does for the team,” Vargas said. “We all stay together, and obviously he stays there and was the first one in the clubhouse waiting for everyone. When you see that, it brings the group more together and closer. We all have to support him, and hopefully it’s nothing bad.”
Take a Cruz! Oneil blasts 7th on-the-fly splashdown in PNC Park history
Aiden Stepansky
PITTSBURGH — Oneil Cruz continued making ridiculous baseball feats look easy during the Pirates’ 6-5 walk-off win over the Twins on Friday, as his third-inning home run left PNC Park and landed — on the fly — in the Allegheny River.
Facts & figures on every Allegheny River HR
The ball, which traveled a Statcast-projected 450 feet and left his bat at 110.8 mph, was the seventh home run to reach the river on the fly in PNC Park’s 25-year history.
Cruz kept pretty calm when asked about his power abilities, saying he used to gain excitement when he was younger but he doesn’t feel the same emotions anymore.
“Probably feels the same as the last one,” Cruz said via interpreter Stephen Morales. “It’s just a home run.”
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After an RBI groundout in his first at-bat, Cruz came out swinging in the third inning. Cruz’s solo shot came on a 90.1 mph cutter that Twins starter Taj Bradley attempted to sneak past him in a 3-1 count. It was tied for the 18th-longest home run in MLB this season, taking long enough to get out of the park that Cruz had time to admire it. As of that third-inning at-bat, Cruz has 23 hits with an exit velocity over 110 mph in 2026, including two of the top four exit velocities this year.
“It turns into a golf ball pretty quick,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said postgame.
Cruz continues to add to his record-breaking total at his home ballpark. His home run on Friday marked his seventh to reach the river in any capacity, the most of any Pirates player. Four of those long balls came in the 2024 season.
Friday’s homer was Cruz’s 12th of the season and his 37th RBI. The 27-year-old is up to a .784 OPS, which would be a career-high if the season ended now.
Cruz’s shot cut the Pirates’ deficit to one, making it a 5-4 game. The slugger seems to be heating up as June approaches, after a cold month of May. That mammoth homer was just his third of the month, after slugging nine across March and April.
Minnesota left fielder Trevor Larnach cleared the right field stands in the top of the third inning, reaching the river — but not on the fly. The home runs were the 86th and 87th to reach the Allegheny, the first since Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II splashed down on April 28.
As for the walk-off home run hero, Bryan Reynolds — he’s used to seeing his fellow outfielder pull off absurd feats night after night.
“I was surprised that he only hit it 111 [mph],” Reynolds joked. “…He’s got stupid pop.”
Baseball’s competitive balance issue, explained
Travis Sawchik
MLB and the MLBPA held their first bargaining session on May 12 as both parties began working toward the next labor agreement. The CBA expires on Dec. 1.
Competitive balance will be a focus during discussions, if not the primary issue.
Here’s what you need to know about the state of competitive balance in the game:
Q: What’s the right way to define competitive balance?
In my view, optimal competitive balance is about creating equal opportunity. It’s about leveling the economic playing surface, so outcomes can be attributed to skill and execution — not the size of a team’s home market.
Competitive balance does not mean guaranteeing equal outcomes. Clubs with superior scouting, player development and decision-making will have an advantage. And they should.
We want competition to bring out the best in clubs and players.
Merit-based dynasties occur in cap-and-floor sports. The Super Bowl wins accumulated by the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years were driven by merit and execution, not local revenue advantages. The issues plaguing the Cleveland Browns are not tied to resource disadvantages.
The big difference is a team of any market size has an equal opportunity to compete in the NFL, NBA and NHL. The same is not true in baseball.
There are still those who argue parity is not even an issue — when it’s perhaps the central issue.
Q: Does MLB have a competitive balance problem?
Yes. The divide is real and it’s tied to a growing imbalance of financial resources.
This opportunity gap — both real and perceived — creates a drag on a sport that otherwise enjoys considerable momentum from popular rules changes like the pitch clock, and ABS challenge system, to an incredible wealth of talent on the field. Too many fanbases enter the season with little hope of contention.
While there are outlier cases like the Phillies and Mets early this season, struggling as high-payroll clubs, over the last decade these advantages have been real for large-market clubs.
There is also the perception of inequity. If fans believe the game is unfair, they are less likely to spend their hard-earned discretionary income on tickets. They are less likely to invest time and emotions in the sport. A wide resource spread also means there are far fewer headlines generated in the offseason in smaller-markets, further dampening enthusiasm.
Q: But haven’t we seen different World Series winners lately?
Yes, there have been seven different World Series champions over the last decade. But each of the last 10 champions were large-market clubs, defined as teams from the 15 largest media markets. The last small-market MLB team to win a World Series was the 2015 Royals.
A variety of large-market champions does not constitute competitive balance, either, though they are often conflated.
The NFL, NHL, and NBA combined to produce 15 small-market champions over the last decade.
In the NFL, 24 of the last 30 Super Bowl champs hailed from small- or medium-markets (i.e. outside of the top 10).
Q: How do small-market teams perform in the playoffs?
Since 2015 (excluding the COVID-shortened season), 37% of the teams that made the playoffs came from bottom-half markets. And once they qualify, they generally have not gone far. Over that time, top-half market teams reached the World Series at a rate of six times greater than bottom-half teams (17 teams versus three) and won it nine times more. A top-half team reached an LCS series three times more often than bottom-half teams (31 to nine).
The edge is significant.
Q: What about regular-season performance?
The regular season offers a larger sample less prone to small-sample variance. MLB is the only major North American pro sport in which the top-five markets significantly out-perform the bottom-five. In the NFL, NBA and NHL the bottom-five markets actually outperform the top-five. The delta in winning percentages since 2015:
Moreover, from 1998-2025 (since MLB went to 30 teams), top-five payroll MLB teams averaged 89 wins per season whereas bottom-five payroll teams averaged 74.
Geography and market size matter a great deal in MLB.
Q: What do preseason championship odds tell us?
Eleven teams enter this season with less than a 1% chance of winning the World Series, according to FanGraphs.com’s end-of-spring playoff projections. The majority — nine of them — resided in medium-to-small markets. Such chances don’t create much hope or enthusiasm.
NFL and NBA teams also begin seasons with low title odds, too, but that’s often because they lack a star quarterback or superstar talent — not because of where they reside.
Consider preseason the number of small- and mid-market teams in FanDuel’s top 10 of preseason championship odds:
MLB (2026): 2
NFL (2025): 6
NBA (2025-26): 5
NHL (2025-26): 6
Q: Do fans actually want changes to fix this?
Yes, and by a strong majority. A Morning Consult poll published in November found 79% of “avid” MLB fans and 69% of casual fans supported a cap-and-floor system in MLB.
Avid fans overwhelmingly believed it would improve competitive balance, with 69% saying it would help “a lot” or “somewhat.”
A non-scientific reader poll at MLBTradeRumors.com last year showed 67% in favor of a cap.
The game — and growing the game — is ultimately about the fans. Fans want competition played within the same constraints. They want outcomes shaped by skill and execution — not resource advantages. This columnist is not aware of any NFL fan demanding a system in which top stars sign with the largest-market teams after rookie contracts. Who would want to sit down at a Las Vegas poker table and have a talented opponent be dealt an extra card?
Q: Is the competitive imbalance getting worse?
The gulf is growing. The divide in payrolls is historically wide. In 2025, the payroll gap was $446 million, or a factor of seven, from top to bottom. (The No. 1 total payroll spend was the Dodgers at $515 million when including Competitive Balance Tax payments, No. 30 was the Marlins at $69 million.)
One big factor is the disruption to the cable model, which disproportionately affects small- and mid-market teams. Affected clubs that lost RSN deals have had their local media revenues reduced by about half.
Twins ownership recently shared that the club sold 50,000 streaming subscriptions last year at $99 per sub — about $5 million — while trying to replace revenues from a defunct cable deal that paid $54 million in 2023. Their combined cable-and-streaming revenues still fall far short.
By contrast, the Dodgers enjoy $334 million a year from their regional cable TV deal. (Their 2012 bankruptcy deal also shields them from a full revenue-sharing allotment.)
Spending isn’t the only factor in their success, of course, but free-agent signings account for $267 million, or 65% of the Dodgers’ current 2026 tax payroll, per Spotrac. Last season, about half their fWAR (47%) came from free agents; add in nine-figure extensions for traded players and that share rises to 56%.
From 1998-25, the Dodgers ranked No. 2 in total payroll ($5.17 billion) and second in winning percentage (.560). The Yankees ranked No. 1 in payroll ($6 billion) and first in winning percentage (.586).
Said Guardians GM Mike Chernoff during the offseason: “We can’t [as a small-market team] sign top-tier free agents. It’s just impossible with the economic landscape in baseball.”
Q: Can’t owners just spend more?
There’s no doubt some teams would benefit from greater spending. Ownership groups generally spend a similar share of revenue on payroll, and profit margins — at least as judged by the Atlanta Braves’ public financials — are not as robust as many assume. If every owner spent like the Mets, most teams’ balance sheets would be deep in the red. Teams are sensitive to local revenue flows. Even if small-market clubs spent all their revenue on MLB player payroll they would still fall far short of the Dodgers’ payroll given their enormous local resource advantage.
Perceived unfairness and lack of spending then shapes reality. Fans become more reluctant to invest emotions, time and hard-earned income. Low playoff odds and quiet offseasons dampen interest. More teams need to be involved year-round to generate sustained interest.
Q: Does competitive balance actually matter for the league’s growth?
It’s difficult to directly quantify, but consider the compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of revenue for the major North American sports since 2015: NBA 10.7%, NFL 7.5%, NHL 6.8%, MLB 2.7%.
Sports with greater competitive balance and the perception of equal opportunity have enjoyed stronger revenue growth. If MLB had matched the NBA’s growth, it would have doubled league revenues.
All of this economic discussion is a gray cloud that looms over major positive developments.
The pitch clock and other rules changes have been widely popular and helped reverse 20 years of attendance declines with three consecutive years of gains. New TV deals are in place. There’s an incredible wealth of talent on the field. We just witnessed an amazing postseason and World Baseball Classic. But the imbalance remains a drag. MLB cannot reach its full potential until opportunity is more widespread.
BYLINE: By Ryan A. Berenz
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1. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury won three Stanley Cup titles (2009, 2016 and 2017) with what team?
2. Name the Kenyan runner who became the first man to run an official marathon in under two hours when he finished the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30.
3. In 1947, the Detroit Tigers’ Roy Cullenbine set the Major League Baseball record for consecutive games with a walk with how many?
4. What placekicker from South Korea made 37 of 39 field goal attempts and led the Atlanta Falcons in scoring with 144 points in the 2020 NFL season?
5. What is the official mascot of San Jose State University’s athletic teams?
6. Name the actor and martial artist from Sweden who played Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in the 1985 sports drama film “Rocky IV.”
7. In November 2025, what troubled former Major League Baseball star received a presidential pardon for a 1995 tax evasion conviction?
Sports Quiz Answer
Answers
1. The Pittsburgh Penguins.
2. Sabastian Sawe.
3. 22.
4. Younghoe Koo.
5. Sammy the Spartan.
6. Dolph Lundgren.
7. Darryl Strawberry.
(c) 2026 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
