Debate: MLB is a monopoly that has mutilated baseball in its true form?

Question

baseball is becoming more expensive! Whats up???? MLB shouldnt be doing that to those who love the game.... on the other side they might need the moiney to pay the players HUGE salaries! Tell me what you think!

Answer 1

When a franchise like the Yankees has revenues that account for hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars each year, then they have the obligation to pay the players millions of dollars. People complain about how A-Rod makes 25 million a year, but wouldn't you rather see the money go to a talented player rather than an already-rich owner/manager? If the fans want nice stadiums and nice players, then they need to pay more and more for tickets. A monopoly? I don't think that's the right word. More like inflation.

Answer 2

Baseball is played on many levels and in many countries. Baseball, as a whole, is growing in popularity worldwide.

MLB is the most visible. They don't have a strangle hold though. Remember the trouble they had attracting fans after the last strike? Neither the players or owners want to see that again.

In its present state the Players' Union has more control over the MLB than the owners and commissioner. It seems like the PU knows that if they have to hammer out a big deal they will be forced to accept a salary cap or revenue sharing.

So for the near future, things will stay as they are until the fans wise up and refuse to pay increases which far exceed the rate of inflation.

Answer 3

Let me take one side of the argument, just for the sake of the debate.

Major league teams have the right to put ticket prices at any level they want. You have the right to buy them, or walk away. Period. If you don't want to pay high prices, there is always minor league or college baseball, or other levels. It won't be as good, but it won't be as expensive.

The Boston Red Sox have the highest ticket price on average in baseball. It's something like $42. Whatever. The Red Sox have not had an unsold seat in something like five years. Speaking in pure economics, they probably could take in more money by raising ticket prices even more, because they could get it. As it is, tickets get re-sold in the secondary market, and the Red Sox don't get any of the profits.

Now, high ticket prices do come with an obvious cost. Most fans can afford to attend fewer games, so teams have to work harder to attract different fans. It's not like some NFL teams, which have the same 75,000 people attend every game through season tickets. And you do lose fans completely, although they may follow the team through television and still may buy merchandise. But for most teams, the economic model seems to be working. It's just a matter of leveling the economic playing field so Kansas City and Pittsburgh have a fighting chance to compete. The luxury tax has helped, but the tweaking needs work.

Answer 4

Like any union the MLB Players Association fights anything in their contract that limits their salary. They want to paid and paid a lot as they are the stars of the game. That doesn't necessary make it right, but it is what it is.

So as players continue to get more money every year our ticket prices will continue to rise. It's the owners way of passing increased expenses onto the consumer.

There's been a lot of cases where players have been chastised or denied taking less money on a contract because the Players Association stepping in getting involved. The MLBPA point of view "Every player must be paid what their worth." or more.

So if you want to blame someone, blame the players.