MLB to buy new Yanks Stadium?

[Ytown Tribe fan]

According to Article XXIV, Section a(5) of the 2002 collective bargaining agreement, teams must make revenue-sharing payments on all baseball revenue, but can deduct "the 'Stadium Operations Expenses' of each Club, as reported on an annual basis in the Club's FIQ [Financial Information Questionnaire].

One COULD take this to mean that the expenses from building a new stadium could be deducted in whole from the team's revenue, which could make the Yanks eligible for revenue-sharing income from other franchises, at least until they "broke even "again.

Could this happen? Would it be good for MLB?

[Crash Course]

It will happen. That's exactly why the Yankees will kick in something like $400 million towards the construction of a new Yankee Stadium.

Good for baseball? I dunno - is it better for Stein to take his profits and pay for a new Stadium for his team, or, is it better for him to give his money to owners who stick it in their pocket rather than improve their team with the money?

Until there's a salary floor, I have no issue with teams doing this and avoiding sharing.

[KCBOOMER]

That's the way the rule reads.

[Deep Blue]

Do "Stadium Operating Expenses" cover purchase/building costs though ? Curious about how broadly that is defined.....

Having said that, until there is a salary floor and a more meaningful revenue sharing plan, the whole thing is rather pointless.

[Crash Course]

Bud probably put the rule in thinking the Brewers would make $ and the new park would be a way to keep it. ;)

[TimmyB]

That's the way I understood things. Based on the plan the Yankees put forth earlier in the summer they would put a real dent in the amount they contribute to the tax.

If this is the case Selig will have to use some more creative thinking to be able to extort money for the Brewers.