Living My Childhood Dream: Buying the Atlanta Braves!
Yes, the baseball team.
Day 568 | $57,091
Imagine telling your friends, "You're now talking to a proud owner of the Atlanta Braves!" Well, thanks to my recent purchase of BATRK stock, my childhood dream has become a reality!
While I may not be calling the shots from the owner's box at Truist Park, owning shares in Atlanta Braves Holdings connects me to one of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises and its thriving business operations.
And before you call me crazy, just know that Warren Buffet owns 223,645 shares, which is 0.35% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. If Mr. Buffet can do it, I can too, right?
Let’s dive into the history of this stock, how it makes money, and some risks to consider.
The History of BATRK Stock
Atlanta Braves Holdings (NASDAQ: BATRA, BATRK) became a standalone public company in July 2023, following a split-off from Liberty Media Corporation. This transaction allowed Liberty Media shareholders to receive shares in Atlanta Braves Holdings as part of a tax-free spinoff. The split-off was designed to highlight the value of the Braves franchise and associated assets while providing strategic flexibility for both entities.
The stock is divided into classes (BATRA and BATRK), with BATRK being non-voting Class C shares. Since its debut, BATRK has attracted investors interested in both sports and entertainment assets. I purchased my first shares on March 27, 2025 at around $40.75 per share.
What Does Atlanta Braves Holdings Include?
Atlanta Braves Holdings is much more than just a baseball team.
It includes:
The Atlanta Braves Franchise: A perennial contender in Major League Baseball with a loyal fan base.
Truist Park: The state-of-the-art stadium where the Braves play their home games.
The Battery Atlanta: A mixed-use real estate development adjacent to Truist Park, featuring retail shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and office spaces. Visit The Battery website
This combination of sports and real estate assets makes Atlanta Braves Holdings unique among publicly traded companies.
How Does Atlanta Braves Holdings Make Money?
Revenue for Atlanta Braves Holdings comes from two primary segments: Baseball Operations and Mixed-Used Real Estate Development.
Baseball Operations
Event Revenue: Ticket sales, concessions, advertising sponsorships, suites, and premium seating fees.
Broadcasting Rights: Revenue from national and local television contracts.
Retail & Licensing: Merchandise sales and licensing agreements.
Shared MLB Revenue Streams: Includes league-wide broadcasting rights and licensing fees.
In 2024, baseball revenue reached $595 million—a modest 2% increase driven by new sponsorship agreements despite challenges such as declining attendance.
Mixed-Use Real Estate Development
The Battery Atlanta contributes significantly to the company's financial health:
Rental Income: Leasing space to retail stores, office leases, and restaurants.
Parking Revenue: Fees from visitors attending events or shopping at The Battery.
The Mixed-use development revenue showed significant growth, rising 14% to $67.3 million in 2024. This increase was driven by higher rental income and parking revenue.
Potential Risks to Consider
While owning shares in Atlanta Braves Holdings is exciting, there are risks investors should keep in mind:
Economic Sensitivity: It’s probably not a surprise when I say the economy is unpredictable right about now! If the market were to take a downturn, discretionary spending on tickets, merchandise, and retail at The Battery could decline.
Valuation Concerns: Some analysts believe the stock may be overvalued compared to traditional metrics, but others argue it’s 15% to 20% undervalued. It’s just not easy to value a sports franchise.
Geographic Concentration: When it comes to investing, I don’t like to put all my eggs in one basket. While investing in BATRK has diverse revenue streams, they all exist in Atlanta’s Battery area.
Mixed-Use Real Estate Risks: Competition from other developments or reduced foot traffic could impact rental income from The Battery.
Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
Why Invest in Atlanta Braves Holdings?
Owning shares in BATRK isn’t just about financial returns—it’s about being part of a cultural legacy and a childhood fantasy. The Braves are one of MLB’s most successful franchises with a rich history and passionate fan base. From an investment perspective:
The company combines stable sports revenue with high-growth real estate assets.
Some analysts predict significant upside potential for the stock price based on earnings revisions and strategic initiatives.
Mixed-use development revenue provides diversification beyond baseball operations.
The Wrap Up
Purchasing BATRK stock might not grant you control over player trades or lineup decisions, but it does make you part of an exciting business that blends America’s pastime with innovative real estate development. Whether you're a lifelong Braves fan or an investor seeking unique opportunities, owning a piece of this iconic franchise is definitely worth celebrating.
So next time someone asks about your portfolio, maybe you can join me and say: "I own the Atlanta Braves, yeah, the baseball team!"
Until next time, keep walking!
Jeremy ✌️
Before you leave…
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The information provided reflects my personal opinions and experiences as an individual investor and may not be accurate or current. All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Any ideas presented may not be suitable for all investors and may not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.