MLB Spring Training games generate hundreds of millions of dollars for Florida and Arizona

The pleasant temperatures experienced in many southern cities of the United States during this time of the year have greatly contributed to the establishment of Spring Training. Major League Baseball teams have established training facilities in Arizona or Florida for over fifty years to prepare for the upcoming season.

Even though the players do not receive any payment during their stay of just over a month, hosting the best baseball teams in the world positively impacts the economies of various communities in Florida and Arizona. Even though the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues do not have any sporting significance, the exhibition Games generate millions of dollars, creating a small-scale World Series economy for some towns.

According to the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, research shows that in 2023, the Cactus League had a massive impact on the state’s economy, amounting to $710.2 million. This contributed $418.5 million to Arizona’s GDP.

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Like big events, most fans who attended a Cactus League game were from out of town. Six out of ten ticket holders were foreigners. During last year’s Spring Training, there was an average of 7,246 fans per game, resulting in 1,565,182 tickets sold.

Organizations participating in the Cactus League:

The Florida Grapefruit League had an attendance of 1,425,259 people in 237 games, with an average attendance of 6,014 fans per game.

Organizations participating in the Grapefruit League:

In addition to being played in warm climates when the country is in the final stretch of winter, Spring Training attracts hundreds of thousands of fans because it offers a more intimate look. After all, the games are played in smaller venues.

According to the study conducted by Arizona State, the average visitor to the Cactus League attends three games, and their stay lasts four days, spending $421 on each of them.

Why aren’t professional baseball players paid to participate in spring training games?

Professional baseball players flock to Florida and Arizona for about a month and a half. Some do it in search of a place that brings them closer to big MLB contracts, while others, already with a secure position, land to get ready by accumulating innings on the mound or shifts in the batter’s box. Players spend the first two weeks pitching and swinging while they play exhibition games the rest of the time.

Because baseball players’ contracts begin on Opening Day and end with the last day of the campaign, no player receives compensation for their stay in Spring Training, which makes it a tough time for rookies or league players—minors who are far from winning millions of dollars as the faces that dominate the game.

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Many baseball players of Latin origin share an apartment and grocery expenses to save money. The most renowned baseball players rent mansions to move with their families.