Braves Report Massive Rise in Revenue for 2019 Season
By Scott Rogust
The Atlanta Braves boasted one of the top teams in Major League Baseball last season, resulting in them convincingly winning the NL East championship. Of course, titles equal money, and that's what the Braves brought in.
According to financial numbers released by team owners Liberty Media, the Braves' revenue increased to a franchise-record $476 million. That is eight percent more than what they made in 2018 ($442 million).
The Braves’ revenue increased to a franchise-record $476 million last year, up 8% from $442 million the year before. #ChopOn https://t.co/1V6vuNm977
— AJC (@ajc) February 26, 2020
In terms of where the revenue came from in 2019, about $438 million came from baseball sources, while $38 million derived from real estate development.
The Braves attributed the increase in revenue to higher attendance at Truist Park, and a rise in broadcasting fees.
The Atlanta Braves took in a club-record $438 million in baseball revenue in 2019, an 8% increase yoy. ($340 million in operating expenses). They're owned by a publicly-traded company so we get a glimpse into how an MLB club is actually performing. https://t.co/Dqkn1E3iy1
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) February 26, 2020
Yet Liberty Media did report of a decline in operating profit, as the value decreased from $94 million in 2018 to $54 million this past year. They attribute the decrease to a rise in player salaries (i.e. the one-year contract for Josh Donaldson).
If the Braves continue their upward trajectory in 2020, expect this franchise record in team revenue to be broken a year from now, especially as the area around the ballpark further expands.