How Fast Is MLB Bouncing Back From The Pandemic? One Club’s Financial Details Give Clues

For Q3 2020, the Braves showed revenues of $110 million with an operating loss of -$16 million. For Q3 2021 revenues jumped to $234 million with operating income of $30 million, an increase of 288% year-over-year.

Operating income is a measure of profit.

Not all of what the Braves own is derived exclusively from baseball-related revenue streams. When breaking down the financial figures the clubs posted baseball-related revenues of $222 million (+118% YOY) and $12 million in business-related revenues (+50% YOY) for Q3 of 2021.

Baseball-related revenues are comprised of both local and MLB’s national revenues which are centralized. Overall, baseball-related revenues are comprised of ballpark operations (ticket sales, concessions, corporate sales, retail, suites, premium seat fees, and postseason), local broadcast rights, and shared Major League Baseball revenue streams, including national broadcast rights and licensing.

The business development revenue for the Braves is derived from the Battery Atlanta mixed-use facilities and primarily includes rental income.

In total, adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (OIBDA) for the Atlanta Braves jumped a staggering 867% for Q3 2021. OIBDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization. It is a measure of financial performance used by companies to show profitability in their core business activities. OIBDA excludes the effects of capital spending on fixed assets, such as equipment, and the interest expense of carrying debt.