Mike Mazzeo

T he richest owner in Major League Baseball had just agreed to give out the richest contract in professional sports history this week, and there was only one thing left to do: celebrate.

Thursday's festivities at Citi Field to introduce Juan Soto as a member of the Mets included his first appearance in the team's uniform, but it was not his first press conference of this offseason.

The influence of the institutional investments in sports was undeniable in 2024. Across multiple leagues and nearly two dozen teams, these investments provided an infusion of cash into sports that has been building for years and became a tidal wave this year. It propelled The Private Equity Investor to the top of SBJ’s Most Influential People in Sports Business list for 2024.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week it's “pretty clear” that expansion from 30 to 32 teams would require one team in the Eastern time zone

Brewers CEO Rick Schlesinger is optimistic that the district board will vote Wednesday to approve an amended ballpark lease that would keep the team in Milwaukee through 2050.

The Mets, following the signing of Juan Soto, tripled their single-game ticket sales in the first day year-over-year, and, overall set a first day of sales revenue record.

The Braves have reached a multiyear partnership with Atlanta-based Gray Media, which will simulcast 15 regular-season games in 2025.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced that the Brewers new ballpark lease was approved via district vote Wednesday, ensuring the team will remain in the state through 2050.

The Brewers find themselves in a familiar place, having to overcome the loss of stars to other teams. Their recent track record suggests they should be able to pull it off.

The most valuable U.S. team sponsorship during live broadcasts in 2024 belonged to the Dodgers, according to a Nielsen year-end report.