UNE-led Impact Study Finds Maine Mariners Add Millions to Portland Economy

The study, conducted by the UNE College of Business, estimates the hockey team contributed at least $6.1 million in new money to the local market.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:15am

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A new impact study conducted by the University of New England College of Business estimates that the Maine Mariners hockey club brought in at least $6.1 million of new money to the City of Portland and its local businesses during the 2024-25 season. The study, which involved UNE students in data collection and research, found that the Boston Bruins-affiliate contributed significantly to the local economy through sources like out-of-market ticket and merchandise sales, visiting team stays, and other factors.

Why it matters

The study provides concrete data on the economic impact of the Maine Mariners on the Portland metropolitan area, quantifying how the presence of the hockey team and its activities generate new revenue for local businesses and the broader community. This information can help inform decisions about supporting the team and investing in sports franchises as economic development tools.

The details

The impact assessment, conducted by UNE's Center for Sport and Business Innovation, measured over 60 variables to determine the Mariners' direct and indirect economic impacts. It found that out-of-market ticket and merchandise sales, visiting team stays, and other factors contributed at least $6.1 million, and potentially as much as $12.4 million, in new money to the local market.

  • The study was conducted using data from the 2024-25 season.

The players

University of New England College of Business

The college that conducted the impact study on the Maine Mariners, with data collection and research assistance from UNE students.

Maine Mariners

The Boston Bruins-affiliate hockey team that was the subject of the economic impact study.

Adam Goldberg

The CEO of the Maine Mariners.

Norm O'Reilly

The dean of the College of Business at the University of New England.

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What they’re saying

“The Mariners are incredibly fortunate to have one of the best and brightest university groups right down the road. The University of New England College of Business has been a great partner since the franchise was announced, and this comprehensive report showing an annual economic impact of at least $6.1 million is another example of the education and entertainment industries working together to showcase the impact of sport.”

— Adam Goldberg, CEO, Maine Mariners

“This project exemplifies how applied research and experiential learning can deliver real value for both students and the communities they serve. Through our partnership with the Maine Mariners and the Center for Sport and Business Innovation, students are gaining hands-on experience while producing rigorous, industry-relevant analysis that quantifies the Mariners' impact on our local market.”

— Norm O'Reilly, Dean, College of Business, University of New England

What’s next

The University of New England and the Maine Mariners plan to continue their partnership, with UNE students collecting data and conducting research to further analyze the team's economic and community impact.

The takeaway

The UNE-led study demonstrates how a professional sports franchise can generate significant economic benefits for a local community, highlighting the value of partnerships between educational institutions and entertainment organizations in driving innovation and supporting regional development.