PORTLAND, Maine — The City of Portland announced today that Portland’s four professional sports teams currently generate an estimated $110 million in total annual statewide economic output—a cumulative impact of more than $1 billion over ten years if current operating, attendance, and visitor-spending conditions are sustained.
A new comprehensive study commissioned by the City of Portland, and conducted by the Maine Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Southern Maine, highlights how Portland—recognized by Sports Business Journal as the #1 minor league sports market in the nation in 2024—translates fan passion into local economic development, supporting 917 jobs statewide and driving significant hospitality and retail spending.
Mayor Mark Dion hosted a press conference to unveil the report with City officials as well as representatives and mascots from each of the sports teams, and proclaimed September 16, 2026 as Minor League Sports Day in Portland.
“Being the nation's top minor league sports market isn't just a title—it's a reflection of our city's spirit,” said Mayor Mark Dion. “Portland is proud to partner with the Sea Dogs, Hearts of Pine, Mariners, and Celtics, not only for the civic pride they generate, but also because these teams fill our restaurants and hotels, support local workers, and generate real economic opportunity. Their total annual $110 million economic footprint supports local small businesses, activates public spaces year-round, and strengthens the civic fabric of our city."
“As Chair of the City Council’s Housing and Economic Development Committee, I see firsthand that our economic growth is most successful when it is deeply rooted in our community,” said Councilor Pious Ali, At-Large. “These sports teams aren't just driving impressive annual figures; they are building bridges between neighbors, creating sustainable jobs, and fostering the kind of inclusive civic pride that makes Portland such a unique place. Seeing our sports ecosystem generate real, tangible opportunities for our local families and small businesses is a powerful reminder of how we can build our city’s future together.”
Key highlights from the report include:
- Statewide Economic Engine: Portland’s professional minor league sports teams generate $110 million in total annual economic output in Maine, including $55.5 million in direct economic activity.
- Employment: Team activities, visitor spending, and venue operations support 917 jobs across Maine annually.
- Visitor & Tourism Impact: Total economic output of $74.7 million generated by visitor spending.
- Facility Capital Investments: Beyond annual operations, team-funded capital improvements to municipal facilities generated one-time construction impacts of $42.6 million and 240 jobs
Portland Sea Dogs
The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The team generates $65.3 million in total annual economic impact and supports 520 jobs.
“From the very beginning, the Sea Dogs have wanted to be more than just a baseball team; we strive to be a strong, active, and contributing member of our community,” stated Sea Dogs General Manager Jesse Scaglion. “Minor League Baseball teams play an important role in the vitality of the communities they call home—bringing people together, supporting local businesses and organizations, and creating a shared sense of pride. We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support the Sea Dogs have received from the people of Portland and throughout Maine for more than three decades. That support has made Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field a special gathering place where generations of families and friends have created countless memories. We take great pride in being part of this community, and we remain committed to giving back, being a good neighbor, and ensuring the Sea Dogs continue to make a positive impact throughout Maine for generations to come.”
Portland Hearts of Pine
The Portland Hearts of Pine are a USL League One soccer team. They generate $16.5 million in total annual economic impact and support 145 jobs.
“As the newest addition to Maine’s sports landscape, we’re proud of the economic and social impact we showed in our first season,” said Kevin Schohl, Club President. “After investing $3 million to upgrade Fitzpatrick Stadium, we welcomed 113,386 fans across a full season of sold-out matches in 2025, including season ticket members from all 16 counties and thousands of visitors from out of state. In addition to creating opportunities for our own employees, we welcomed dozens of local businesses, vendors and partners to thrive alongside us as part of the matchday experience. We also increased community connectedness through player appearances, watch parties, and our free after-school sessions at Portland schools. For that level of demand and engagement to happen in year one is a strong indication of what is possible here – and we’re just getting started. With the launch of our USL W team in 2027, continued investment in Portland, and plans for a new stadium ahead, we see tremendous opportunity to expand that impact for the city and across the state of Maine.”
Maine Mariners
The Maine Mariners are an ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins. The team generates $18.5 million in total annual economic impact and supports 165 jobs.
The team’s Chief Executive Officer Burke Cherrie said, "The Maine Mariners are proud to be an anchor for downtown Portland with a fanbase that stretches across the state and region. Beyond the excitement of puck drop at the Cross Insurance Arena, we are deeply committed to driving economic growth, meaningfully engaging local businesses big and small, and building community through a sport that is a way of life in Maine. This report underscores the significant impact that our fans, staff, and partners have on the city, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to Portland’s vibrant sports culture and economic success for years to come.”
Maine Celtics
The Maine Celtics are the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. The team generates $9.9 million in total annual economic impact and supports 87 jobs.
“Since our inception, the Maine Celtics have had a clear vision for our team - create a fun, affordable, family-oriented environment that is deeply rooted in community activation,” said Maine Celtics Team President Dajuan Eubanks. “That vision resulted in overwhelming fan support from the opening tip-off in 2009. Joining the Celtics organization ten years later allowed us to align directly with one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports, right here in Portland. We are proud to call Portland, Maine home. We are proud to be a part of the sports ecosystem, and we are elated at the success of every team in the marketplace. The support we have received over nearly 20 years is what keeps our organization going. It is a testament to our fans and the Maine community.”
About the Maine Center for Business and Economic Research
The Maine Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Southern Maine provides independent, data-driven economic research, impact analyses, and market assessments to support business and civic decision-making across Maine.