A study by
Eli Ben-Porat of
HardballTimes.com takes a look at
a range of factors that could predict revenue for MLB teams. Statistical indicators like Census Metropolitan Areas, state size, and fan engagement (via social media) are all put into a regression model 'blender' to see what comes out. Not surprisingly, it appears that fan intensity (
Facebook,
TWITTER interactions) is the
best predictor of increased revenue—no matter whether the team is in a "small market" or a "big market". As Red Sox fans, we sort of get this intuitively—as
John Henry and the boys pull in a ridiculous amount of revenue (upwards of $400 million a year) from a relatively "small" market. Anyway, it's an interesting article from a guy who works for the
Rogers Empire in Toronto. Pity him, his guys are on the way out soon.
