During the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors Commissioners Meetings on May 6, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred supported the league’s teams requesting public funding to construct new stadiums, as reported by CBS Sports.
Several teams are considering moving if they don’t get updated facilities, and Manfred addressed this issue with the media. He was specifically asked about the current situation with the Oakland Athletics. The team's owner John Fisher has agreed to relocate the team to Las Vegas in 2028. They will be based in Sacramento for the 2025-2028 season.
The A’s are not the only team facing decisions about their stadiums. The Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and a few other teams have publicly stated they need a new home to remain sustainable.
Rob Manfred Talks About the Need for Public Funding
In a detailed statement, the MLB commissioner tried to explain why the league’s owners are seeking public funding for their new venues.
“There has been a long history of public financing for not only baseball but sports venues in general,” asserted Manfred. “Expenditure, public funds that people have seen as justified as part of the quality of life and entertainment opportunities available to residents in specific cities, as well as an economic driver.
“Certainly, on the latter point, I recognize this is something that some will debate, but whatever the merits of it across the board, investment in baseball facilities is the best of the (sports) investments because of the number of games. It just drives more people into the market for entertainment than any other sport just based on sheer volume.”
“I do think that in today’s world, almost all projects, whether they be new stadiums, major renovations, all of those types of projects, almost without exception.” he continued. “And this is different than it was a couple of decades ago – are public-private partnerships with owners of teams making really substantial, hundreds of millions of dollars, investments.”
“I think the Las Vegas project is a great example of that: it’s a billion-and-a-half dollar project where the public financing, I think the number is $380 (million) and the rest of that investment is going to be made by the owner.”
MLB is Dealing with an Unpopular Issue
While Manfred rightfully points out that the practice of taxpayer money going toward major league sports facilities, the issue leaves many fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Likewise, public officials have also dug in their heels about spending on stadiums.
Since becoming commissioner in 2015, Manfred has seen two teams move into new ballparks. The Atlanta Braves moved into Truist Park in 2017, and the Texas Rangers relocated to Globe Life Field in 2020.
However, there’s a good possibility that we could see many more MLB facilities being rapidly built over the next several years.
According to a recent article from Forbes, at least seven MLB franchises are in currently line for either a new stadium or major renovations of their old one.
With that many clubs seeking new facilities, Manfred will have his hands full in dealing with this issue. If his comments this week are any indication, he will likely push for the public to help solve those problems.
