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Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:00 pm
by Youboughtit
Professional sports are a hobby for them. Much like hunting or any other sport for the average human. All hobbies are fun and not designed to generate profits. These owners have hundreds of businesses that generate their wealth. I think if you asked any of them prior to buying a team that is how they envisioned it. I beleive what changes is 30 smart guys get it a room and it changes from sport to business. All of the sudden every one of them wants to be the “smartest guy in the room”. Until that changes the fans pay the freight. MLB has an ownership problem except a few at the top.
Loosing $100m per season on a hobby that value increases $200m should not be a problem
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:40 pm
by bretto12
the value of the franchise does not give any working capital to the owners. Most of the teams are owned by groups, not single owners. The money difference between teams is real and destroying the game. The Cardinal teams of 10 years ago did not face the money deficiency that 23 of the 30 teams face.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:42 pm
by Cardinals1964
Not this again.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:46 pm
by WeeVikes
Why is there the assumption that pro sports are just considered “hobbies” to the owners and not an investment? These people didn’t become wealthy by throwing hundreds of millions of dollars away!
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:50 pm
by Youboughtit
bretto12 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:40 pm
the value of the franchise does not give any working capital to the owners. Most of the teams are owned by groups, not single owners. The money difference between teams is real and destroying the game. The Cardinal teams of 10 years ago did not face the money deficiency that 23 of the 30 teams face.
It’s called investing in a product you’re trying to sell. The “working capitol”. Comes from the group as an investment on return in value of franchise. Also the method the big markets are using. The value of the franchise is tied to winning. The Dodgers are spending the most and winning the most therefore the franchise value goes up to exponentially to cover that spending. They are doing it right along with a few others. It’s owners like Dewitt that have the wrong formula. However I remember when he bought the team he said “we will invest to get the best team possible for the best fans in baseball”. Maybe he forgot.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 19:52 pm
by Youboughtit
WeeVikes wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:46 pm
Why is there the assumption that pro sports are just considered “hobbies” to the owners and not an investment? These people didn’t become wealthy by throwing hundreds of millions of dollars away!
Because they can make more $ in other things and most have a sentimental attachment to baseball, tell me you don’t see a difference in the way Dewitt talked when he bought the team and was a fanboy wanting to win at all cost compared to now. He’s lost his fastball
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
by 45s
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 20:27 pm
by WeeVikes
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:52 pm
WeeVikes wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:46 pm
Why is there the assumption that pro sports are just considered “hobbies” to the owners and not an investment? These people didn’t become wealthy by throwing hundreds of millions of dollars away!
Because they can make more $ in other things and most have a sentimental attachment to baseball, tell me you don’t see a difference in the way Dewitt talked when he bought the team and was a fanboy wanting to win at all cost compared to now. He’s lost his fastball
No argument with any of that, however, I doubt any of them would be ok losing money. But that’s my opinion and guess — I have no actual idea.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 20:33 pm
by Youboughtit
WeeVikes wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:27 pm
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:52 pm
WeeVikes wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:46 pm
Why is there the assumption that pro sports are just considered “hobbies” to the owners and not an investment? These people didn’t become wealthy by throwing hundreds of millions of dollars away!
Because they can make more $ in other things and most have a sentimental attachment to baseball, tell me you don’t see a difference in the way Dewitt talked when he bought the team and was a fanboy wanting to win at all cost compared to now. He’s lost his fastball
No argument with any of that, however, I doubt any of them would be ok losing money. But that’s my opinion and guess — I have no actual idea.
But they aren’t loosing $. They want it 2 ways.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:20 pm
by iowa blues fan
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 19:00 pm
Professional sports are a hobby for them. Much like hunting or any other sport for the average human. All hobbies are fun and not designed to generate profits. These owners have hundreds of businesses that generate their wealth. I think if you asked any of them prior to buying a team that is how they envisioned it. I beleive what changes is 30 smart guys get it a room and it changes from sport to business. All of the sudden every one of them wants to be the “smartest guy in the room”. Until that changes the fans pay the freight. MLB has an ownership problem except a few at the top.
Loosing $100m per season on a hobby that value increases $200m should not be a problem
You’re acting like a jilted 14 y/o.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
by Cardinals1964
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:39 pm
by Youboughtit
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Hey it’s all on them. If they don’t want to spend let them continue to loose $ and cut payroll again and again until the franchise also starts to loose $. No new taxpayer $ for stadium upgrades. Then in 20 years see where it’s at. It’s their choice. Spend for attendance or let the sport die.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:44 pm
by Cardinals1964
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:39 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Hey it’s all on them. If they don’t want to spend let them continue to loose $ and cut payroll again and again until the franchise also starts to loose $. No new taxpayer $ for stadium upgrades. Then in 20 years see where it’s at. It’s their choice. Spend for attendance or let the sport die.
It won’t die. I like the thought of seeing in 20 years. A guaranteed 20 year life contract. I’ll take it.
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:47 pm
by Youboughtit
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:44 pm
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:39 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Hey it’s all on them. If they don’t want to spend let them continue to loose $ and cut payroll again and again until the franchise also starts to loose $. No new taxpayer $ for stadium upgrades. Then in 20 years see where it’s at. It’s their choice. Spend for attendance or let the sport die.
It won’t die. I like the thought of seeing in 20 years. A guaranteed 20 year life contract. I’ll take it.
Maybe the MLB will resemble AAA and then there will be 10 real MLB teams in a champions bracket like soccer. Either way there won’t be a salary cap until those top 10 marbles allow full revenue sharing so the cap and floor can be calculate correctly
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 21:54 pm
by Cardinals1964
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:47 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:44 pm
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:39 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Hey it’s all on them. If they don’t want to spend let them continue to loose $ and cut payroll again and again until the franchise also starts to loose $. No new taxpayer $ for stadium upgrades. Then in 20 years see where it’s at. It’s their choice. Spend for attendance or let the sport die.
It won’t die. I like the thought of seeing in 20 years. A guaranteed 20 year life contract. I’ll take it.
Maybe the MLB will resemble AAA and then there will be 10 real MLB teams in a champions bracket like soccer. Either way there won’t be a salary cap until those top 10 marbles allow full revenue sharing so the cap and floor can be calculate correctly
How would you suggest that a floor works? A suggestion of a floor is quite silly. That’s what the minimum wage is for. How can a team be forced to spend a minimum if the available players aren’t worth it or they don’t want to sign with you?
Re: Why are Billionaire owners whining?
Posted: 22 Jan 2026 22:09 pm
by Youboughtit
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:54 pm
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:47 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:44 pm
Youboughtit wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:39 pm
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 21:35 pm
45s wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 20:12 pm
I’m always amused by those who are so cavalier about other people’s money…
There’s a recent umpteen page thread on this same subject. Nothing will be solved here. Got people that can’t pay their rent, telling billionaires how to spend money.
Hey it’s all on them. If they don’t want to spend let them continue to loose $ and cut payroll again and again until the franchise also starts to loose $. No new taxpayer $ for stadium upgrades. Then in 20 years see where it’s at. It’s their choice. Spend for attendance or let the sport die.
It won’t die. I like the thought of seeing in 20 years. A guaranteed 20 year life contract. I’ll take it.
Maybe the MLB will resemble AAA and then there will be 10 real MLB teams in a champions bracket like soccer. Either way there won’t be a salary cap until those top 10 marbles allow full revenue sharing so the cap and floor can be calculate correctly
How would you suggest that a floor works? A suggestion of a floor is quite silly. That’s what the minimum wage is for. How can a team be forced to spend a minimum if the available players aren’t worth it or they don’t want to sign with you?
Currently every team is getting approx $130m annually from the general fund. Several owners are pocketing it as their profit instead of spending on payroll. For the top markets to pay more revenue sharing they want a guarantee it is spent on players. If you cutting the top of market then the growth for the MLBPA has to come from the small markets spending more. The owners have no power to force a cap. Growth is at all time high and a labor stoppage would stop that. A lockout to force a cap won’t happen. 60-% of players are millionaires and the ones in charge of the MLBPA are the richest.