Dazzled by visions of economic growth and enhanced prestige for their communities, state and local government leaders have created a veritable welfare system for major league sports. This system has pampered owners by providing them with new stadiums and arenas, investment opportunities, luxury ...
Dazzled by visions of economic growth and enhanced prestige for their communities, state and local government leaders have created a veritable welfare system for major league sports. This system has pampered owners by providing them with new stadiums and arenas, investment opportunities, luxury suites, and practice facilities. Why should the public fund these franchises when the sports industry is so successful? In Major League Losers, Mark S. Rosentraub explains the history of this practice and reveals the surprising fact that cities gain little from hosting a major league ball club. He provides government officials and taxpayers with a clearer understanding of how a city can, and should, negotiate with sports franchises. This new, concise edition includes a discussion of the recent fight by the New York Yankees and other teams to gain new stadiums.