A 2026 Cactus League economic impact report was released on September 23, 2026, stating this year’s league season generated $495.8 million for Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product.
The Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business conducted the study, finding the 2026 season generated $806.9 million in total economic activity or gross output, bolstering the state’s tourism economy.
Bridget Binsbacher, Executive Director at the Cactus League, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the impact of the Seidman Research Institute’s report.
According to Binsbacher, every year the numbers are released regarding the Cactus League’s economic impact, they keep going up. From business transactions to fan attendance, they’re all contributing to the GDP, especially because 60% of the 7 million fans who attend games are traveling from somewhere else.
“Over a million fans are coming here from somewhere else in the country,” Binsbacher said. “We know that Spring Training is bringing them here, and as a result of following their team or their player, they’re visiting other areas of Arizona.”
When fans visit, they typically watch three games, stay four nights in Arizona and spend $400 per day per fan. According to Binsbacher, that $400 is not all spent in one place.
“The majority of the direct spend is hitting lodging,” Binsbacher said. “Second to that would be restaurants, bars, activities, and that’s where the majority of it’s going.”
Despite the economic success Spring Training brings to Arizona, it is not a guarantee for 2027. There will possibly be an MLB lockout as owners and the players’ union are negotiating salaries, which means the players could be locked out for Spring Training.
According to Binsbacher, uncertainty and unexpected circumstances are not new for the Cactus League. They have overcome adversity before, and they plan to do it again.
“We had record-breaking heat waves last season, and attendance still went up considerably,” Binsbacher said. “We’ve been through these labor negotiations before. We need to be ready for whatever opportunity comes our way so that we can make the most of it.”
