MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred optimistic major leaguers will play in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed optimism Thursday that MLB players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, signaling a significant shift in the league’s approach to the international competition.

Speaking after an owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, Manfred indicated that discussions with the Major League Baseball Players Association have progressed substantially. “I sense a lot of momentum towards playing in LA in 2028,” Manfred said. “I think we are going to get over those issues. I think people have come to appreciate that the Olympics on U.S. soil is a unique marketing opportunity for the game.”

The baseball tournament at the Los Angeles Olympics is scheduled for July 13-19 at Dodger Stadium. To accommodate this, MLB is planning an extended All-Star break from July 9-21, with the All-Star Game likely to be held in San Francisco on July 11.

This potential participation marks a significant change from previous Olympics. During the 2021 Tokyo Games, MLB did not allow players on 40-man rosters to compete, which notably affected Team USA’s composition. Japan, whose Nippon Professional Baseball league paused its season to allow player participation, defeated the United States 2-0 in the gold medal game.

Several logistical challenges remain before MLB participation becomes official. The league must finalize an agreement with the players’ union and resolve insurance concerns regarding player contracts during Olympic competition. The United States will receive an automatic berth in the tournament, with the top two other nations from the Americas in next month’s World Baseball Classic earning spots as well.

When asked if Casey Wasserman’s involvement as chairman of the Los Angeles games might affect MLB’s participation—given Wasserman’s recent appearance in released government files related to Jeffrey Epstein—Manfred declined to comment directly on Wasserman, stating that the league’s dealings are “with the institution of the Olympics” rather than with individuals.

In other league matters, the recent acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker by the Los Angeles Dodgers has reignited discussions about competitive balance in baseball. The Dodgers, already boasting three of the top eight current contracts by average annual value, have continued to add premium talent like closer Edwin Díaz to their roster.

Despite concerns about competitive imbalance, Manfred maintained that “great teams are always good for baseball,” while acknowledging that the Dodgers’ moves have intensified existing fan concerns about competitiveness across different markets.

Labor discussions also loom on the horizon, with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1. Manfred indicated that formal negotiations with the players’ association will likely begin after Opening Day, saying, “We’re in the preparation process.”

The commissioner addressed ongoing challenges with regional sports networks, revealing that MLB will produce and distribute local television broadcasts for at least 14 teams this season following financial problems with Main Street Sports Group’s FanDuel Sports Network.

“The RSN situation has an impact on our revenue growth because the decline there is a drag on what is otherwise a growing industry,” Manfred explained. “It is true that the smaller markets have been hit harder than the larger markets, which impacts revenue sharing.” Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the long-term value of MLB content ahead of potential new media rights deals in 2028.

Team ownership changes were also approved during the meeting, with Cincinnati Reds CEO Phil Castellini succeeding his father and Tom Pohlad taking over from his younger brother Bob on the Minnesota Twins board. Manfred noted “robust interest” in the ongoing San Diego Padres’ sale process, describing the franchise as “a really appealing asset.”

The league also announced extensions of its contract with Anheuser-Busch and renewed deals with Comcast and Cox Communications to carry the Extra Innings package of out-of-market TV broadcasts, ensuring continuity in key corporate partnerships as the sport navigates evolving media landscapes.