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Yankees reportedly lost up to $85 million

N.Y. could pay out even more because of dispute over TV rights package

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Steve Nesius / AP file
George Steinbrenner's Yankees drew more than 4 million fans last season.
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NBCSports.com news services
updated 1:37 p.m. ET Dec. 4, 2005

Despite all their on-the-field success and huge TV contract, the New York Yankees lost between $50 million and $85 million last season, the New York Daily News reported Sunday, citing several unnamed baseball sources.

And it could get worse, the newspaper reported.

Despite drawing over 4 million fans, the Yankees were hurt by their $200 million payroll and $110 million in luxury taxes and revenue sharing, the newspaper reported. When final accounting numbers come in, the loss probably will total $80 million, the newspaper reported.

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And the Yankees might have to pay more if a consultant hired by Major League Baseball determines that the team undervalued its television rights last season, the Daily News reported, citing unnamed lawyers close to the situation.

The problem arises because the Yankees charge the YES Network $60 million a year to broadcast games, but if the consultant determines that the team is undercharging the network, then the Yankees will have to make up the difference and pay that amount into the revenue-sharing fund, the newspaper reported.

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The Yankees and YES Network are owned by the same group but are considered separate for accounting purposes.

The Yankees lost $37.1 million in 2004, the Daily News reported.

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