Portland's minor league teams contribute $110M to local economy
Photo by Maine Coast Life
Written by Dylan Anderson
If you’ve ever made the claim that the experience of going to a Sea Dogs game surpasses that of visiting Fenway Park, the city of Portland has just backed your argument with quantitative results.
A recent study found that Portland’s four minor league sports teams — the Portland Sea Dogs, the Portland Hearts of Pine, the Maine Mariners, and the Maine Celtics — cumulatively produce an estimated $110 million in total annual economic output.
Commissioned by the city of Portland, the Maine Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Southern Maine conducted this study to understand how Portland’s minor league sports industry helps develop the local economy. Having already received recognition by the Sports Business Journal as the #1 minor league sports market in the nation for 2024, the teams continue their wins off the field by supporting nearly a thousand jobs statewide and generating vital hospitality and retail spending.
Mark Dion, the mayor of Portland, hosted a press conference to share this news with city officials and the representatives and mascots of each of Portland's minor league teams. Additionally, he announced that Sept. 16 shall be known as Minor League Sports Day in Portland. He praised the four teams’ economic impact, their support for local small businesses, and their forging of a bond between members of the community.
“Being the nation's top minor league sports market isn't just a title — it's a reflection of our city's spirit,” Dion said.
Here’s the breakdown of what each team individually contributes to Maine’s economy:
The Portland Sea Dogs produced $65.3 million in total annual economic impact and supported 520 jobs. Out of the four teams, the Portland Sea Dogs make up over half of both the annual economic output and over half of the job opportunities.
The Portland Hearts of Pine, Portland’s newest community in the minor league market, produced $16.5 million and supported 145 jobs. Their club president Kevin Schohl commented on this win, stating “...we’re proud of the economic and social impact we showed in our first season.” Schohl also shared exciting plans of what’s to come for the Portland Hearts of Pine, including the launch of a USL Women’s team in 2027 and plans for a new stadium.
The Maine Mariners produced $18.5 million and supported 165 jobs. The Mariners’ chief executive officer, Burke Cherrie, said the team is committed to continuing to promote economic growth, supporting local businesses of all sizes, and building community.
The Maine Celtics produced $9.9 million and supported 87 jobs. The Maine Celtics team president, Dajuan Eubanks, shared how proud the team is to call Portland their home and praised the support of the Maine community and their fans.
If this trend continues for the next decade, we may see not only an economic impact exceeding $1 billion, but also a growing number of jobs supported by Portland’s minor league sports market. So next time you're out at a game in Portland, treat yourself and get that extra hot dog and help keep Maine sports on the rise.