Where have all the hypercompetitive, in-it-to-win-it Major League Baseball team owners gone? Straight to the bank.
The baseball gravy train is on a roll. Through the wonders of television, the average franchise is worth $1.78 billion, an 8 percent hike from 2018. This despite a product that continues to get worse, purists would argue. What's great news for team investors is not so much for fans.
Because there’s little motivation to boost team payroll, especially in smaller markets, only a select few owners bring it every season. The others pick their spots to upgrade the product, if they invest much at all, happy to pocket TV and luxury tax money.
Remember, home attendance is far less of a factor these days. Empty seats don’t talk nearly as much as they did back in the day.
So how are all 30 baseball team owners doing?
Note: Team records are updated through the 2018 season.