REPORT: Cubs lay off staff, expect reduced capacity at Wrigley Field in 2021 |
CHICAGO — On Thursday,
ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported that the Chicago Cubs organization has laid off approximately 25% of its business staff due to lost revenue from a shortened 2020 season with no fans in attendance at Wrigley Field. In addition, the move was preemptive, as uncertainties loom regarding the 2021 campaign.
The Cubs are reportedly anticipating having reduced capacity at home games early in the 2021 slate because of COVID-19 protocols in Chicago and advice from medical experts. Rogers reported that it is even possible that only season ticket holders will be allowed to attend contests at Wrigley Field for an indefinite amount of time next year. The franchise is hoping to be able to host games at full capacity at some point 2021, but, as of now, there is no guarantee that filling the seats at the Friendly Confines will be feasible. As for the layoffs, though unfortunate, they are an understandable side effect of a 2020 season in which the Cubs expect to miss out on 75% of their expected revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That could constitute up to $140 million in lost revenue. Not to mention, the nebulous nature of the next collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, which is set to go into effect following the 2021 season, adds to fiscal concerns. COVID-19 has already drastically affected the sports landscape, and, sadly, many more setbacks will come to fruition in 2021.
