Ohio provides support to minor league baseball, hockey teams

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.
Locally, the Toledo Mud Hens will receive $7,414,769.06, and the Toledo Walleye will be awarded $5,321,219.43.
“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.”
Other grant awardees include:
• 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
In addition, the Cincinnati Cyclones hockey team will receive $3,590,363.86.
Individual grant amounts are awarded pro-rata based on the eligible teams’ 2019 gross revenue.
Learn more at development.ohio.gov.