Ohio provides support to Minor League teams
Ohio is stepping up to the plate to support minor league baseball and hockey teams in the state.
The 134th Ohio General Assembly appropriated $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to help eligible teams recover from losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Minor League Relief Grants, which are being administered through the Ohio Department of Development.
“Ohio is the heart of excitement, and there’s nothing more exciting than the roar of a crowd rooting for the home team,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “With this funding we’re supporting more than just these teams; we’re supporting beloved members of our communities. Whether it’s with a hat trick or a home run, these teams bring generations of fans together and give them something to cheer for. We’re proud to invest in that.”
The following eligible minor league baseball teams are named in the legislation, along with the grant amount they will receive:
• Akron Rubber Ducks – $3,869,612.21
• Dayton Dragons – $6,208,396.14
• Lake County Captains – $1,635,080.84
• Lake Erie Crushers – $1,032,259.67
• Mahoning Valley Scrappers – $927,487.38
• Toledo Mud Hens – $7,414,769.06.
The following eligible minor league hockey teams were named in the legislation, along with the grant amount they will receive:
• Cincinnati Cyclones – $3,590,363.86
• Toledo Walleye – $5,321,219.43.
Individual grant amounts are awarded pro-rata based on the eligible teams’ 2019 gross revenue.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places and businesses. Learn more at development.ohio.gov.