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MILB All-Stars and Awards: BLA's Rising Stars Shaping Excellence, Legacy, and Growth
Celebrating Minor League Achievements, Providing Industry Updates, and Spotlighting Professional Development in the Dynamic World of Baseball
Player stories, company latest, industry updates, and more.
All-Star Selections and Awards
The Minor League season has come to an end, and with that, we want to congratulate all the Minor Leaguers who received All-Star selections and awards during the 2024 season.
To view the complete list of athletes and their achievements, please visit:
We're incredibly proud of our BLA athletes and their achievements in the 2024 Minor League season. These accolades reflect their talent and consistent dedication to the game.
As our players progress in their careers, we remain committed to offering support and celebrating their successes at every level of professional baseball, and beyond.
Private Equity's Growing Influence in Major League Baseball
Rob Manfred Via The Associated Press
MLB Opens Doors to Institutional Investors, Reshaping Team Ownership Landscape
Major League Baseball (MLB) is leading a significant shift in sports team ownership as the league increasingly welcomes private equity (PE) firms into its ownership ranks. This strategic move, initiated in 2019, represents a departure from traditional ownership models and could have far-reaching implications for the financial future of America's pastime.
Key Developments and Regulations
MLB has established clear guidelines for PE involvement in team ownership:
PE funds can own up to 15% of a franchise
No limit on the number of clubs a fund can invest in
Teams can sell up to 30% of their equity to PE investors
These rules create a framework that balances the influx of institutional capital with the league's desire to maintain traditional ownership structures.
Driving Factors
Several key factors are driving MLB's openness to PE investment:
Surging team valuations (average team worth $2.64 billion)
Limited pool of individual billionaire buyers
Need for more accessible capital raising by current owners
Desire to provide exit opportunities for limited partner
The dramatic rise in franchise values, exemplified by the New York Yankees' estimated worth of nearly $8 billion, has made it increasingly challenging to find individual buyers capable of purchasing majority stakes.
Current Landscape
While PE ownership details aren't always publicly disclosed, several high-profile investments have come to light:
Boston Red Sox (Arctos Partners, RedBird Capital)
Los Angeles Dodgers (Arctos)
Chicago Cubs (Arctos)
San Francisco Giants (Arctos)
Houston Astros (Arctos)
San Diego Padres (Arctos)
Arctos Partners emerges as a particularly active player in this space, with stakes in multiple MLB franchises.
Potential Impact
The introduction of PE into MLB ownership structures could have significant implications:
Increased competition in the player market, potentially driving up salaries
Enhanced financial resources for stadium improvements and technological advancements
Introduction of new management strategies and revenue-generating initiatives
Potential influence on league-wide decision-making processes
Looking Ahead
As team values continue to climb, PE involvement in MLB ownership will likely grow. This trend could reshape team financing and ownership structures, potentially influencing how baseball franchises are managed and valued in the coming years.
However, this shift also raises important questions about the balance of control between majority owners and institutional investors, the impact on team culture, and the long-term effects on the sport's traditions and fan relationships.
The outcome of this experiment in baseball could set new precedents, potentially influencing how other major sports leagues approach institutional investment in the future.
Professional Development Resources
At BLA, our mission is to equip athletes with the best opportunities to achieve their dreams. This extends beyond the field, encompassing professional growth in all aspects of our partners' lives.
The baseball industry offers numerous opportunities for professional growth both on and off the field. Here are some resources that individuals in the baseball community may find valuable:
LinkedIn Networking Groups
These groups offer opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and explore career paths within and beyond baseball.
Exciting Opportunity for Former Players
Major League Baseball is currently offering a Former Player Internship at the Office of the Commissioner in New York, NY. This program provides an excellent opportunity for former MLB or MiLB players to transition their on-field expertise to the business side of baseball.
Interns will have the chance to work in various departments, including On-Field Operations, Draft/Medical/International Operations, and Umpire Operations, among others.
The content herein is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security, other investment product, or investment advisory service.
That’s All for Now
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