Brewers owner poses shocking question about what his job is

The Dilemma of Ownership: Winning vs. Entertainment

The ultimate goal for every MLB team is to win the World Series, but Milwaukee Brewers owner and general manager Mark Attanasio has found himself grappling with a deeper question: What is his true role as an owner? Is it solely to bring home a championship, or is it to create a memorable summer of entertainment, passion, and family bonding? Attanasio recently shared these thoughts, sparking a conversation about the dual responsibilities of owning a sports franchise. While the Brewers have enjoyed a fair amount of success since 2005, ranking fourth in the National League for most wins, their payroll tells a different story. As of Wednesday, their projected payroll stands at $117 million, placing them 22nd in MLB—behind even the Colorado Rockies. This disparity highlights the challenges of operating in a league where financial resources can dramatically influence a team’s ability to compete.

Walking the Financial Tightrope: Small Market, Big Ambitions

Despite their success on the field, the Brewers have struggled to invest heavily in their roster. Attanasio has been vocal about the financial constraints his team faces, emphasizing that they are not in a position to splurge on superstar talent. "We don’t have the financial ability to bring in superstars," he admitted. "We try to hold on to whatever we can." This reality forces the Brewers to be creative in how they build and maintain a competitive roster. They must rely on savvy moves, such as locking up young talent early and making strategic trades, rather than attempting to compete with deeper-pocketed teams in free agency.

One such move was the signing of rookie sensation Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million contract last spring. This deal not only provides Chourio with long-term financial security but also gives the Brewers a potential star player at a cost they can afford. If Chourio develops into the generational talent the organization believes he can be, the Brewers will have ensured themselves a top-tier player under team-friendly terms. These are the kinds of deals that have become essential for small-market teams like Milwaukee, allowing them to retain talent without breaking the bank.

The Case for Revenue Equality in MLB

Attanasio pointed to other professional sports leagues, such as the NFL and NBA, as examples of how more equitable revenue sharing can benefit all teams. "You see what the NFL has done with their media contract. You see what the NBA has done. It’s all sitting right there," he noted. "If we can do something like that, the pie is bigger for everybody—for owners, for players, for everybody." The idea is that by redistributing revenue more evenly, smaller-market teams like the Brewers could compete more effectively with their larger-market counterparts. This would create a more balanced league where success is not solely determined by financial might.

However, achieving this kind of economic parity in MLB is no simple task. The league’s current financial structure, including its media contracts and labor agreements, would need to be overhauled. Attanasio acknowledged that finding a solution will require collaboration between owners, players, and league officials, but he believes the potential rewards are well worth the effort. A more equitable system could not only help small-market teams like the Brewers but also ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of the sport as a whole.

Competing in the NL Central: No Excuses, Just Results

Despite their financial limitations, the Brewers are still very much in the mix to compete in the NL Central this season. General manager Matt Arnold made it clear that while the team recognizes the economic challenges of the industry, they will not use them as an excuse for underperformance. "We have to do things a little bit differently here, and we embrace that," he said. This mindset reflects the resourcefulness and ingenuity that have become hallmarks of the Brewers’ front office.

Without a clear favorite in the NL Central, the door is open for the Brewers to make a push for the playoffs. Their ability to compete will depend on their ability to maximize the talent they have, develop their young players, and make shrewd roster moves. Even with a modest payroll, the Brewers have shown time and again that they are capable of punching above their weight. As the season unfolds, they will look to prove once more that success in MLB is not solely about how much you spend, but how smartly you spend it.