Offseason Overview: Navigating MLB's Evolving Business Landscape

The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason is not only a time for player transactions but also a period marked by significant legal, contractual, and business developments that shape the sport's future. This past offseason witnessed several pivotal changes impacting media rights, financial structures, and league-wide policies.

Luxury Tax Thresholds Under the Current CBA

The following luxury tax thresholds were put in place as part of the 2022–26 collective bargaining agreement:

• 2022: $230 million

• 2023: $233 million

• 2024: $237 million

• 2025: $241 million

• 2026: $244 million​

Financial Structures and Competitive Balance

Source: MLB

The league's financial landscape continues to evolve, particularly concerning the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT), commonly known as the luxury tax. Implemented to maintain competitive parity, the CBT imposes financial penalties on teams exceeding predetermined payroll thresholds. 

For the 2025 season, the tax threshold is set at $241 million, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Teams exceeding this threshold face tax rates starting at 20% for first-time offenders, increasing to 30% and 50% for second and third consecutive years, respectively. 

Additionally, surcharge thresholds introduce further penalties, including a 12% first surcharge and a 45% second surcharge (or 42.5% for first-time CBT payers). These measures aim to discourage excessive spending and promote a level playing field across the league.

Labor Relations and Salary Cap Discussions

Source: Sports Business Journal

While some MLB owners continue to advocate for a salary cap to address market disparities, the MLB Players Association remains firmly opposed, viewing it as a threat to player earning potential. Given the unlikelihood of a traditional cap, alternative measures deserve greater focus:

• Salary Floor: Requiring all teams to meet a minimum payroll could drive competitive balance without restricting top-tier compensation.

• Cap on Top Contracts: Placing a hard cap on the top five contracts per team would limit super teams while preserving overall spending flexibility.

• International Signing Reform: Adjusting signing bonus pools and timelines could level the global talent landscape, especially for small-market clubs.

These alternatives offer more viable paths to equity—preserving both competitive integrity and player opportunity.

Attendance Trends and Fan Engagement

Source: Sports Business Journal

On a positive note, MLB experienced back-to-back seasons of attendance growth for the first time since 2011–12, with 71.3 million fans attending games in 2024. This uptick is partially attributed to rule changes designed to accelerate game pace, resulting in average game times of 2 hours and 36 minutes—the fastest in four decades. For perspective, the average game time prior to the pitch clock (in 2022) was 3 hours and 3 minutes, highlighting the dramatic impact of the new rules.

Shorter games have led to a 13% increase in weekday attendance since 2022, as fans embrace the more concise and engaging in-game experience. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who led the league in attendance, continue to be significant draws, while others, such as the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays, face challenges due to venue-related issues.

That said, the Rays saw a notable improvement in fan engagement this season at their temporary home stadium, which—unlike Tropicana Field—is actually located in Tampa Bay. While not a permanent solution, the move brought the team closer to its core fan base and created a more energized, accessible, and authentic game-day atmosphere, helping to strengthen local support.

The 2024-2025 MLB offseason was marked by transformative developments in media partnerships, financial regulations, and labor relations. As the league navigates these changes, the focus remains on fostering a competitive, financially stable, and fan-friendly environment that upholds the integrity and excitement of America's pastime.​

Spring Training and Opening Day 2025: Showing Up, Putting In Work

Spring Training: Building the Foundation

Spring Training isn't just about getting back in baseball shape—it's where the real work happens before the season begins. Our players face a range of challenges during this time: fighting for roster spots, refining new pitches, adjusting swing mechanics, or building stamina for the long season ahead.

Opening Day 2025: The Work Meets the Moment

When Opening Day arrived, BLA players were ready to showcase the results of their preparation. The BLA team continued our support across multiple venues as the regular season began.

This seamless support system—from Spring Training to Opening Day—reflects BLA’s commitment to standing beside our athletes throughout their professional journeys. As the 2025 season unfolds, we remain dedicated to supporting our athletes on and off the field

We want to wish all our athletes a successful, healthy, and prosperous 2025 season!

New Website Announcement!!

We’re excited to announce that our new website is now live!

The new design offers a fresh look that better reflects our commitment to supporting athletes both on and off the field.

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