Anatomy of a ticket

The New York Yankees

Also see:  The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art  |  Figurines @ Mercury Lounge  |  The Nutcracker @ New York City Ballet  |  La Traviata @ The Metropolitan Opera  |  Jump @ Union Square Theatre

According to Princeton economist and Baseball and Billions author Andrew Zimbalist, a typical baseball team’s payroll soaks up about 55% of its revenue—and he estimates that number creeps up for the Yankees roster, to over 60%. (Player expenses—salaries, benefits and bonuses—topped $219 million in 2006.) The Yankees’ revenue was in excess of $300 million in 2006. Of their major overhead costs, they spent:

	60% on player salaries
	21% on MLB revenue-sharing fees
	7% on luxury taxes
	6% on stadium operations
	6% on travel and player training

Fun fact: The average fan spends $12 on concessions; according to Zimbalist, about 40% of that revenue goes to the team.

Sources: MLB team valuations, Forbes magazine; Andrew Zimbalist, economist at Princeton University; Craig Depken, economist at UNC Charlotte. Estimated percentage breakdown based on major overhead costs categories.