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This bill would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the social, economic, and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American life and culture after consulting with relevant congressional communities. It was introduced in response to a proposal by Major League Baseball to end its franchises’ affiliation with 42 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs that this bill contends would “devastate” the communities that are home to affected clubs.

This bill includes several findings, including that:

More than 40 million fans have attended Minor League Baseball games each season for 15 consecutive years;
Minor League Baseball provides wholesome affordable entertainment in 160 communities across the country and foster diversity & inclusion through a variety of initiatives;
The economic stimulus & development provided by Minor League Baseball extends beyond the cities and towns where it is played to wide & diverse geographic areas comprising 80% of the U.S. population;
MiLB clubs donated over $45 million to their local communities & completed over 15,000 volunteer hours in 2018;
Minor League Baseball is the first touchpoint of the national pastime for millions of youth and the only touchpoint for those located in communities far from Major League cities;
Congress has enacted numerous statutory exemptions & immunities to preserve & sustain a system for Minor League Baseball & its relationship with Major League Baseball.
An abandonment of 42 MiLB clubs by Major League Baseball would devastate communities, bond purchasers, and other stakeholders that rely on the economic stimulus provided by these clubs;
Minor League Baseball clubs enrich the lives of millions of Americans each year through special economic, social, cultural, and charitable contributions; and
Preservation of Minor League Baseball in 160 communities is in the public interest, as it will continue to provide affordable, family friendly entertainment to those communities.

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Should the GAO Study the Contributions of Minor League Baseball to American Life to Deter Proposed Cuts of Minor League Clubs by Major League Baseball?