MLB Revenue Expected To Top $6B In '07, Close To NFL

Selig Reportedly Feels Surpassing NFL In Revenue Attainable In Near Future

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig "expected an increase from the record $5.4[B] in revenue" from the '06 season, but he was "taken aback" when MLB Exec VP & CFO Jonathan Mariner told him revenue would exceed $6B, according to Tom Haudricourt of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Selig: "Imagine that. When you think back to where we were 10, 15 years ago, it's stunning. What a story." When Selig was named interim Commissioner in '92, MLB grossed $1.2B, and the new figure also indicates that MLB is "on the verge" of catching the NFL in revenue. The NFL is expected to gross around $6.3B this season. While Selig would not acknowledge it, "those who know him will tell you that generating more revenue than the NFL is a personal quest he believes is attainable in the very near future." Selig added, "Our sport is more popular than ever and it is still the national pastime. ... I have a lot of statistics to back that statement." In addition, MLB shared $345M in revenue this season. Selig: "It's our job to provide hope and faith in as many places as possible. The NFL calls it parity. I call it competitive balance"  (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/20).