Study: Three Pro Leagues Out $7.9B in Ticket Revenue

Professional sports leagues may play in a limited capacity this year, but the lack of fans at these events means huge revenue losses for the NBA, MLB and NHL. 

According to a new study that analyzes past ticket sales data, the three aforementioned professional leagues stand to lose a whopping $7.9 billion in ticket revenues this year.

The MLB stands the lose the most. Based on TicketIQ data, the league could be out $5.1 billion in ticket sales.

The NBA, meanwhile, is leaving $1.69 billion on the table as the remainder of its abbreviated regular season and playoffs resume in the absence of fans. The NHL is estimated to lose about $1.2 billion in ticket revenues.

According to the study, the Los Angeles Dodgers top the list of the US baseball clubs with $200.1 million in ticket revenue loss. The profits of the Boston Red Sox, as the second team on this list, are expected to plunge by $180.5 million in 2020. New York Yankees ranked third with a $177.8 million revenue drop. St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Washington Nationals follow with $153 million, $146.7 million and $109.3 million, respectively.

Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers, as the other five clubs on this list, are all set to incur an approximate $100 million ticket revenue drop. 

The LA Lakers stand to lose $82 million, that’s the most of any NBA team. The New York Knicks are expected to end the season with a $46.1 million revenue loss. The ticket sales profits of the Golden State Warriors are forecast to plunge by $42.1 million this season.

Statistics show that the Toronto Maple Leafs ticket sales profits are set to plunge by $42.2 million this season. Nashville Predators ranked second with a $20.6 million revenue loss. The New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers follow with $19.8 million, $19.7 million and $18 million in ticket sales loss, respectively.