| Photos from Pinterest and Sportslogo
NEW YORK—It could be a subway series between the Yankees and the Mets. Add the New York Liberty’s WNBA postseason. According to the New York Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC) President Andrew Kimball, these teams have already generated nearly $200 million in economic activity from the home games of their respective playoff runs. The New York Liberty’s WNBA alone could generate a cumulative economic impact of up to $18.3 million.
The analysis accounts for ticket sales and spending by nearly 24,000 visitors outside New York City during the Liberty’s postseason run.
In addition, the New York Yankees and New York Mets playing in their respective Championship Series, each additional home playoff game is expected to generate between $20 million and $25 million per home game, stimulating local businesses and creating jobs and economic opportunity for New Yorkers across the five boroughs.
“Playoff runs aren’t just good for our spirits, but also for our wallets. Championship teams on the field mean championship earnings for small businesses and championship wages for hard-working New Yorkers,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “With the Yankees, Mets, and Liberty all making deep playoff runs, it’s a great time to be a sports fan in the greatest city in the world — and sports fan or not, we’re all rooting for more games and more money in New Yorkers’ pockets. If only I had a hat to cheer on ALL our New York City teams together!”
First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer congratulated all three teams for their success in the playoffs. “As all three teams keep winning, so does the city, with each home game generating millions of dollars in economic activity,” she said, “spending at small businesses citywide, and more visitors traveling to New York City.”
NYCEDC’s analysis accounts for ticket sales, estimated at 33,000 for the Yankees, 27,000 for the Mets, and 3,400 for the Liberty, and spending from outside New York City for each playoff home game. Additional earnings for seasonal employees at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field and other factors were included. Seasonal employment estimates were unavailable for the Barclay’s Center. These impacts stimulate growth in the local economy, creating opportunities and jobs for New Yorkers and spending reinvested across the five boroughs.
NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball echoed Adams and Torres-Sringer’s remarks, adding, “we would love nothing more than a deep postseason run for both of our MLB teams and a championship tonight from the Liberty. “
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
