Back In Black: Mariners Earn Almost $18M In Profit In 2007

Attendance Bump Helps Mariners Realize $17.8M Profit In '07 Season

The Mariners last year had a $17.8M annual profit, according to financial figures released by the team and cited by Greg Johns of the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER. The financial report showed the club making “nearly $18[M] while spending $113.2[M] in payroll," the sixth-highest figure in MLB. Team officials “attributed the healthy profit in part to an increase of nearly 200,000 in attendance as the team posted an 88-74 record, breaking a string of three losing seasons, as well as healthy national revenues” from the league. The number was lower than the record $23.3M profit earned in ’06, but that figure was “bolstered by a one-time payment” from MLB to all 30 franchises after the sale of the Nationals. The Mariners reported an $8.3M profit in ’05, so the past two seasons have shown a “marked improvement for a franchise that never was in the black until moving into Safeco Field” in ’00. Mariners President Chuck Armstrong: “Our ownership has always invested all profits back into the team, the franchise and the ballpark, and did so again in 2007” (SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER, 3/11). The Mariners’ payroll is “expected to exceed $120[M] in 2008 with the acquisitions” of Ps Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva and RF Brad Wilkerson. Armstrong: “Our Major League player payroll in 2008 again is substantial and at the same time, we are continuing to make improvements to Safeco Field to keep it in first-class condition for our fans” (MLB.com, 3/10).