Relocation Fees & Market Impact in MLB The Show 25
If MLB The Show 25 introduces full team relocation, it must include financial consequences and MLB The Show 25 Stubs market dynamics to make the experience feel realistic. Moving a franchise isn’t as simple as picking a city and designing a stadium—it involves relocation fees, market viability, fan loyalty, and long-term financial sustainability.

A deep relocation system would add strategy and realism, forcing players to evaluate risks and rewards before moving their team.

1. Relocation Fees & Approval Process
In real MLB, team relocations require approval from team owners and the league, along with financial costs. MLB The Show 25 could introduce:

Relocation Fees: Teams must pay a league-imposed fee, which varies based on market potential and existing team contracts.

League Approval Process: MLB might deny relocation if the move isn’t financially viable or if another team has territorial rights (e.g., trying to move into New York or Los Angeles).

Owner & Fan Backlash: Team owners, local governments, and fans might oppose a move, leading to potential financial penalties or negative fan reactions.

Example: Moving the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas could cost a $1 billion relocation fee, while moving a small-market team to Portland might have a lower financial barrier.

2. Market Size & Revenue Potential
Different cities offer unique economic opportunities and challenges based on:

Market Size: Large cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) generate more revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and TV deals.

Competition: Moving a team to a city with multiple pro sports teams (e.g., Denver, Houston) could reduce attendance if the team struggles.

Baseball Popularity: Some cities have strong baseball traditions (e.g., St. Louis, Boston), while others may need time to develop a loyal fanbase.

Example:

Moving a team to Las Vegas might bring a huge financial boost due to tourism and sponsorships.

Moving a team to Nashville could grow the game but might take years to develop a strong following.

3. Fanbase Impact & Attendance Changes
A team’s fanbase plays a crucial role in long-term financial success. Relocating could:

Boost Attendance: A new city might generate initial hype, bringing in record ticket sales in the first few years.

Lose Loyal Fans: If a historic team (like the Yankees or Cubs) relocates, it could lead to fan outrage and attendance declines.

Impact Free Agency: Star players might be less likely to sign with a team in a small market or an unproven baseball city.

Example:

The Montreal Expos relocated to Washington D.C. and became the Nationals, benefiting from a larger market.

If a team moves from a passionate fanbase (like St. Louis), it might take years to rebuild loyalty in a new city.

4. Regional TV Deals & Sponsorship Opportunities
A team’s financial success isn’t just about ticket sales—TV contracts and sponsorships drive revenue.

Large-Market Teams Get Bigger TV Deals: Moving to Los Angeles or New York means more TV exposure and sponsorship money.

Smaller Markets Rely on Revenue Sharing: A team in Oklahoma City or Portland might earn less from TV deals but benefit from MLB’s revenue-sharing system.

Corporate Sponsorships Depend on Market Appeal: Moving to a city with big companies (like Seattle or Houston) could increase stadium naming rights and endorsements.

Example:

The Dodgers’ local TV deal is worth over $8 billion, making them one of the richest teams.

A team in a small market like Kansas City relies more on revenue sharing and cheap MLB The Show 25 Stubs local sponsors.