MLB Sees Record Growth in 2025 as On-Field Performance Fuels Commercial Success
NEW YORK – Major League Baseball (MLB) is experiencing a surge in popularity, marked by record-breaking digital engagement, increased viewership, and substantial commercial gains in the 2025 season. The leagueS on-field resurgence,headlined by star players like Shohei Ohtani,is driving a renewed interest among fans and translating into significant revenue streams.
This growth arrives at a pivotal moment for professional sports, as leagues increasingly rely on digital platforms and fan engagement to maintain and expand their reach. MLB’s success demonstrates the power of combining compelling athletic performance with innovative commercial strategies,setting a benchmark for other sports organizations. The league is actively leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience and capitalize on emerging opportunities, positioning itself for continued growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.
MLB accumulated a record 17.8 billion views on its social media accounts, a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year. Sales of the official MLB: The Show 25 video game also saw a 20 percent increase in the first half of the year.
Fanatics, MLB’s retail partner, reported US$40 million in revenue from fan gear and trading card sales at the season-opening Tokyo Series – the company’s biggest-selling event ever across both physical and online channels in Japan and the US.
Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers jersey remained the highest-selling shirt for a third consecutive year, outpacing those of New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, and Ohtani’s Dodgers teammates Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.