(04-07-2022 02:15 PM)mlb Wrote: (04-07-2022 11:52 AM)bearcatmill Wrote: Bungles and Reds are interesting case studies. One (Bungles) was run as a business without concern for fans or the local community. They finally, after over 3 decades of ineptness, won the lottery with Burrow. He fell into their lap. Now the "fans" claim it is the best run franchise in all of pro sports.
Reds deeply cared about their fans and community. Kept and brought in players to appease the fanbase, i.e. Griffey and currently Votto. They know their core fans love bobbleheads, fireworks, theme nights and free concerts. Hence, a good dose of this on the sched. Invested greatly in building youth ballparks around the tri-state. Work closely with the downtown/banks business communities. Castellini just went all in a couple of years ago and COVID hurt that process. He suffered massive monetary losses and wants to get above water.
I don't buy the "massive" monetary losses. It is estimated (on the low end) that they pull $75M per year from RSN TV. $54M from the national deal. At least $60M from tickets and concessions. Actually, I think Forbes estimates the Reds doing $276M per year across all revenues. $122M in player salaries is not going to cause them to have massive monetary losses.
That's in a normal year.
The COVID season was only 60 games. And no ticket sales/concessions.
Also, you're not counting the large fixed costs. Maintaining a massive stadium. Field maintenance. Front office expenses. The Reds have 347 full-time employees who aren't on the field.
https://www.mlb.com/reds/team/front-office
Full time employees by department:
15 - Executive Office
10 - Front Office
5 - Baseball Analytics
15 - Pro Scouting
29 - Amateur Scouting
9 - International Scouting
55 - Player Development
40 - Health & Performance
2 - Arizona Operations
1 - Team Travel
5 - Media Relations
3 - Clubhouse
20 - Ballpark Operations
3 - Field Operations
13 - Public Safety & Security
15 - Communications, Digital Media
5 - Promotional Events & Player Relations
24 - Productions
3 - Accounting
3 - Human Resources
2 - Payroll
8 - Baseball Data & Development
5 - Technology
6 - Business Analytics
15 - Ticket Operations, Single Game Ticketing, Special Events
20 - Ticket Sales & Service
6 - Reds Community Fund
8 - Reds Hall of Fame Museum
In 2003, the Brewers listed $50.8 million in Operating Expenses that didn't include player compensation. That was 18 years ago for the franchise with the league's smallest market, the 3rd smallest player payroll, and a brand new ballpark that required little upkeep.
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/lab/reports/04-brewers.pdf