Phoenix AZ – February 20, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What was the total economic impact of the 2025 Cactus League Spring Training season in Arizona?
The 2025 Cactus League season generated an estimated $764 million in economic impact for Arizona, according to a study by ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business.
How much state tax revenue did the 2025 Cactus League season generate for Arizona?
The 2025 Cactus League season was responsible for generating over $32 million in state taxes for Arizona.
What was the total fan attendance for the 2025 Cactus League Spring Training games?
A total of 1,695,480 fans attended the 221 games played during the 2025 Cactus League season across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
How many Major League Baseball teams participate in Spring Training in the Phoenix area?
The Phoenix area hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams, which is half of all MLB teams, utilizing 10 ballparks across the metropolitan area.
The 2025 Cactus League Spring Training season has delivered a significant economic impact of an estimated $764 million to the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona. The study by ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business found that out-of-state visitors contributed substantially, driving tourism and supporting over 6,000 jobs.
Spring Training Delivers Substantial Economic Boost to Phoenix Area
Spring Training is once again providing a significant economic boost to the Phoenix metropolitan area, with a recent study confirming hundreds of millions in economic impact for Arizona. The 2025 Cactus League season generated an estimated $764 million in economic impact for the state, according to research published on February 20, 2026, by Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. A substantial portion of this financial influx originated from out-of-state visitors.
How Does Cactus League Contribute to Arizona’s Economy?
The study highlights that approximately half of the total economic impact came from visitors traveling from outside Arizona. These figures underscore Spring Training’s considerable role as a tourism driver for the state. Beyond the overall economic impact, the 2025 Cactus League season was also responsible for generating more than $32 million in state taxes and supporting over 6,000 annual jobs across Arizona.
Phoenix: A Central Hub for Major League Baseball
The Phoenix area has solidified its position as a major hub for Major League Baseball’s Spring Training, hosting half of all MLB teams. These 15 teams utilize 10 ballparks spread across the metropolitan area, creating a centralized and accessible experience for fans. The concentrated location of teams within the Valley also simplifies travel for players, contributing to the appeal of the Cactus League.
Visitor Spending and Attendance Figures for the 2025 Season
Visitor spending alone reached $378.6 million in 2025. The 221 games played during the 2025 Cactus League season attracted a total of 1,695,480 fans. The consistent draw of baseball enthusiasts from around the country fills the Valley, allowing them to experience games in intimate ballpark settings while enjoying the Arizona sunshine.
Evolution of Spring Training in Arizona
Since its founding in 1947, the Cactus League has evolved into a significant annual event for Arizona, with its impact expanding beyond tourism to touch various aspects of the state’s economy. The league’s growth has necessitated modern facilities, and its sustained presence makes it comparable to a major annual event for the region.
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Economic Impact | $764 million | State level |
| State Tax Generation | Over $32 million | State level |
| Annual Jobs Supported | Over 6,000 | State level |
| Visitor Spending | $378.6 million | State level |
| Total Fan Attendance | 1,695,480 | State level |
| Number of MLB Teams Hosted | 15 (half of all MLB teams) | Phoenix area |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
