Major League Baseball is once again at the center of controversy, this time away from the ballpark. The San Francisco Giants were sued in federal court in California for allegedly charging hidden “junk fees” that inflated the final price of tickets without clear disclosure to fans. According to Front Office Sports, the class action lawsuit was filed on January 28, 2026, and accuses the club of advertising prices that did not reflect the actual cost. Lead plaintiff Juan Flores claims that two tickets advertised at $10 each ended up costing $29 after mandatory fees were added in the final purchase process.
The lawsuit claims that this practice affected hundreds of thousands of fans over several years, until the team suspended these fees in July 2024. However, the plaintiffs claim that the money wrongfully collected was never refunded.
Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals also under legal investigation
The Giants’ case is not an isolated one. The Boston Red Sox are facing a similar lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts, filed in early January 2026. The lawsuit alleges that the team used “drip” pricing, adding mandatory fees that in some cases increased the value of tickets by as much as 150% over the initially advertised price.
For their part, the Washington Nationals were sued in September 2025 in Washington D.C. for similar practices. The lawsuit claims that tickets advertised at $9 ended up costing $11.25 after undisclosed processing fees, an increase of nearly 25%.
In all three cases, fans allege that the total price was only displayed at the end of the purchase process, leading to confusion and unexpected costs. The lawsuits are based on state and district consumer protection laws.
Legal pressure adds to MLB’s economic conflict
These lawsuits come at a delicate time for the league, with the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, 2026, and a possible lockout looming. The growing gap between team payrolls has reignited the debate over competitive balance.
Projections indicate that the Los Angeles Dodgers will have a luxury tax payroll of nearly $412 million in 2026, while many teams will not reach $200 million. This disparity has led several owners, such as the Rockies’ Dick Monfort, to push for a salary cap and a minimum wage.
The MLBPA, however, rejects a strict salary cap, arguing that it would limit player income. With ongoing legal demands and growing economic tensions, MLB faces a complex scenario both on and off the diamond.
Key facts
- Three teams sued: Giants, Red Sox and Nationals
- Period investigated: May 2022 to January 2026
- Reported increases: up to 150% on the advertised price
- Claims based on consumer protection laws
- MLB’s collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026
Read the full article here
