MLB Ticket Sales Show Domination by Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees
The LA Dodgers and New York Yankees go head-to-head this weekend in a highly anticipated three-game series at Dodger Stadium, a repeat of the 2024 World Series which the Dodgers won in five games. Both teams are currently the favorites to win the 2025 World Series, with the Dodgers leading the way at +240, followed by the Yankees at +550, according to BetMGM.
The faceoff will not only feature two of the best teams in baseball but also two reigning MVPs - Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the Yankees. As the industry's top gate-revenue producers, with the Dodgers just ahead of the Yankees, this series promises to be a major draw at the box office.
Last year, the Dodgers generated $4.29 million in ticket revenue per regular-season home game, ahead of the Yankees' $4.11 million. Other teams trailed far behind, with the Chicago Cubs, Red Sox, and Houston Astros rounding out the top five. With a per-game average of over $4 million, both the Dodgers and Yankees exceeded the $300 million mark in ticket revenue for the season.
Adding to their financial haul were the playoff runs for both teams. The Dodgers, who lead baseball in attendance but have not topped the gate revenue rankings due to their pricing, saw an increase in revenue due to their dominance and the addition of Ohtani in 2024, which also boosted their pricing power.
MLB's internal report shows that the Dodgers' average ticket price stands at $87, just behind the Yankees and the Cubs, with the Red Sox, Astros, Mets, and Rangers following closely behind. The Dodgers' average paid attendance of 49,067 in 2024, a near 20% increase over the second-ranked Yankees, helped push them to the top of baseball's ticket revenue standings. The Dodgers are breaking the 50,000 per game mark through their first 27 home games this season.
Financially, the Dodgers have been a powerhouse. Their local TV contract has provided a significant advantage, with the club having signed a 25-year, $8.35 billion contract with Spectrum in 2013. In 2024, the Dodgers' gross revenue, including playoffs and before revenue-sharing, is estimated to be over $1 billion, placing them among an elite group in terms of revenue.
Maintaining a competitive roster is not cheap. The Dodgers' payroll for 2025 is expected to reach $500 million, including their luxury tax bill. They also have more than $1 billion in deferred salary owed to players like Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Blake Snell. The Dodgers' franchise value is currently estimated at $7.73 billion, up 23% over last year and closing the gap with the Yankees. According to Sportico's MLB team valuations, the Dodgers rank seventh among all sports franchises.
In related news, Yankees early 2025 ticket sales have jumped 14%, topping $226 million.
[1] Salary information based on contract details publicly available at Spotrac.[2] Franchise value information based on Forbes' valuation of MLB teams for 2024.[3] Revenue information based on MLB's internal financial report shared with Sportico by a non-Dodgers team.
- The Dodgers' leadership in ticket sales, coupled with their estimated $1 billion revenue in 2024, has solidified their position among the highest-grossing teams in sports, as indicated by Sportico's MLB team valuations.
- Aside from their impressive ticket revenue, the Dodgers have significant financial backing from their local TV contract, notably a 25-year, $8.35 billion deal with Spectrum, signed in 2013.
- In contrast, team valuations paint a different picture, with the Yankees edging closer to the Dodgers, as their franchise value is estimated at $7.73 billion, a 23% increase from the previous year.
- The Yankees have also reported a 14% increase in early 2025 ticket sales, generating over $226 million, potentially setting a record for their box office sales.
