Sportico: MANFRED’S $2.2 BILLION MLB EXPANSION FEE ON THE HIGH SIDE, AT LEAST FOR NOW
https://www.sportico...fee-1234628756/
Good article. Hits a lot of the points I was thinking when I read that headline. Using an average value doesn't work for this because the major markets are inflating that number, and this isn't a major market expansion.
You are looking at like Portland, Vegas, or Nashville, maybe something in the Carolinas. Those markets aren't going to get the uber TV deals, and asking ownership to come up with $3B to start a team in those spots is going to put them underwater for decades. (gotta pay for a stadium on top of the 2.2B).
I wonder if this crazy high number isn't MLB's way of trying to force some existing teams relocation. Where potential landing spots come up with sweet offers to existing teams that aren't doing great because it's cheaper than buying a new one.
Who could they be hoping moves out? I'd say FL teams, but they just somehow got a new stadium deal down there. Maybe leverage for OAK and the new stadium battle there?
I dunno. Have a hard time seeing a sustainable situation, but there's clearly something going on behind the scenes.