The New York Yankees say they’re not in talks with the city of New York to buy Yankee Stadium and sell off what’s left after the season.
It’s safe to say the city of New York is interested in what kind of money they could make from selling off the remnants of Yankee Stadium, but the club denies a New York Post report that the Yankees are trying to buy the ballpark from the city.
Yankees president Randy Levine shot down the Post report which indicated both the Yankees and Mets were interesting in buying their soon-to-be-demolished ballparks so that they could sell pieces of memorabilia to fans after the season.
"The New York Yankees are not in discussions to buy the current Yankee Stadium from the City of New York," Levine said in a statement. "We have been in talks with city officials to determine the best way for the city to realize value in the assets of the current Yankee Stadium.
"The goal is to find the best and most efficient way to make memorabilia items available to the public and our fans."
The City of New York owns both stadiums, which are leased by the clubs.
Major League Baseball has been authenticating items such as bases, balls and equipment used in games for resale on the memorabilia market and both teams currently have a deal with Steiner Sports to market game-used items and other memorabilia. It’s clear that several entities are hoping for a slice of what could be a lucrative pie once the teams leave in October.
"There is no agreement as of yet as to the best method of making these items available but our discussions with the city are continuing," Levine said. "When there is an agreement we will let everyone know."
The ballparks’ seats would generate significant revenue. Stadium seats are a popular collectible for fans furnishing rec rooms or memorabilia rooms, with prices typically in the hundreds of dollars per pair for less historic venues than those scheduled to be parted out in New York.