MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to the media today, ahead of tonight’s All-Star game, addressing various topics relevant to the league. One subject that got a lot of discussion was the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the potential of MLB players participating. Baseball will be an event at the Olympics, with Dodger Stadium being the venue, but it’s still not confirmed if MLB players will be able to play. Manfred suggested it could be possible for the league to have a slightly longer midsummer break to include both the All-Star game and the Olympics, while also not impacting the regular season.
“It is possible to play the All-Star game in its normal spot, have a single break that would be longer but still play 162 games without bleeding into the middle of November,” Manfred said, per Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post. “That is possible.”
MLB players have never participated in the Olympics. Baseball has occasionally been an event in the games, but has been played by minor leaguers or college players. In recent years, it has not been unusual for MLB players to compete in international play. The World Baseball Classic has been running every few years since 2006, even though the COVID-19 pandemic threw the normal schedule off for a bit.
The main difference with the Olympics would be the timing. The WBC is held in March, ahead of the MLB regular season. The ’28 Olympics are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles from July 14th to 30th. Per J.J. Cooper of Baseball America, the baseball field would include six teams, set by qualifying tournaments, who would then play from July 15th to 20th. Per Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the league would prefer that to be a little earlier. The All-Star break is usually the second Tuesday of July, which would be July 11th in 2028. The opening ceremony of the Olympics is scheduled for July 14th.
There are logistical challenges but it’s theoretically possible to line everything up. The fact that the games are taking place in the United States is also convenient, compared to a distant country where travel would be more of a concern.
It has been suggested in the past that perhaps the league could look to skip the All-Star game for one year, with the Olympics taking over as the main midsummer event. Manfred’s comments today point to both taking place, which would raise some interesting questions. Presumably, there could be a lot of overlap in terms of All-Star selections and Olympic rosters. If a player is planning to play in the Olympics and is also selected for the All-Star game, would they simply skip the latter like injured players do? Would some try to do both?
In terms of the scheduling, the details there aren’t clear either. In recent years, the MLB season has sometimes had some teams start the regular season in mid-March in order to play games in other countries such as Japan or South Korea. Starting the regular season earlier for all teams could perhaps allow for a longer midseason break, though that would lead to many weather-related annoyances in certain parts of the country.
Per Cooper, insurance is another potential hurdle. For the WBC, there are insurance policies in place to compensate an MLB team if one of their players is injured. But the WBC is put on by MLB, whereas the Olympics are put on by the International Olympic Committee. As noted by Cooper, it’s unclear if the IOC would be willing to pay the insurance premiums or if MLB would be willing to do so. MLB wouldn’t be directly benefiting from the event, since the IOC receives the proceeds, though the league would obviously hope that the Olympics would help to grow the MLB brand and expand its reach. Cooper mentions the possibility of Olympic committees of individual countries covering the insurance premiums but says this is the least likely scenario.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the logistical challenges could lead to San Francisco hosting the 2028 All-Star game. She says the league and the MLBPA would prefer a West Coast club host that year, in order to be near the Olympics in Los Angeles. She points out that San Diego, Seattle and Arizona have all hosted the All-Star festivities fairly recently, whereas the Giants last hosted back in 2007.
Slusser adds that MLBPA executive director Tony Clark also seemed open to the players agreeing to the Olympic plans, though with some details still to be worked out. “There’s just a lot of conversation that needs to be had sooner rather than later to see how viable this is,” Clark said. “But we’re hopeful that we can figure our way through it for the benefit of the game.”
If it comes to pass that the Giants host in 2028, it will kick things down the road for other clubs that have been waiting their turn. Last year, Manfred acknowledged that the Blue Jays were due, since they haven’t hosted since 1991. However, the Phillies are hosting in 2026, a decision that was made long ago to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It seems likely that the Cubs, who haven’t hosted since 1990, will be hosting in 2027. Putting the 2028 game in San Francisco would mean the Jays and other teams hoping to host would probably have to wait until 2029 at the earliest.
Manfred still seems to have a Toronto All-Star game on his radar, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. “Obviously, (the Blue Jays) are kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time,” he continued. “I’d like to be back in Toronto. Rogers has made a really significant investment in terms of improvements in the stadium. TBD at this point, beyond that.” Davidi adds that the Orioles and Red Sox are also interested. Baltimore last hosted in 1993 and Boston in 1999.
Photo courtesy of Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Do it! November postseason!
Wanna see some Olympic baseball.
WBC is still the main world stage event in my opinion.
But still, would be cool to see some of these guys get Olympic medals.
WBC is the minor leagues compared to the Olympics.
I wouldn’t say the WBC is “minor leagues.” They’re apples and oranges comparing WBC to MLB. One, you play for your country, the other is a business. Completely different game mindset.
I actually prefer the WBC to MLB because there is more to play for than just money.
This needs to happen. Let the Olympics be the WBC. Last WBC was terrific. Take it to the next level.
I don’t think the Olympics could replicate the WBC exactly, mostly due to timing restraints, but maybe I am wrong. I don’t know if I feel good about the Olympics taking place of the WBC.
How about No AS game in ‘28
Just Olympics
That’s how they did the 4 nations in hockey
Much of the All-Star money goes to the players.
It’s a great idea, but the players union is unlikely to agree.
@halo
Thats a shame bc it would be awesome to have real Olympic baseball & this is the best shot they will ever have
If i was a ball player i’d take the once in a lifetime opportunity over AS $ but thats just me
“Much of the All Star money goes to”..With international sponsorships, a huge international audience and a MUCH bigger platform/stage I’m fairly sure the MLBPA could leverage that into substantially more money than they now get from a national, mostly American,one day All Star event.
There is always a deal to be made.
This would be so good for the sport. The NHL made it work, MLB can too.
NHL vs MLB all stars, in a football game
Hold the ’28 All Star Game after the world series. That way you can actually get the season’s best players in it. And keeping the players in shape isn’t really a problem if you tell them who’s a selection or emergency reserve candidate on the last day of the season.
Keep the pros out of it and let the top prospects shine. Like the futures game but in the Olympics. You already have the WBC for the pros.
Absolutely this. Frankly I rather in the wbc too. If I’m an owner and paying a player near a quarter of a billion dollars they aren’t wearing any uniform other than my teams.
I disagree with MLB players not partaking in the WBC though. The WBC you play for your country, which is more important than some businessman’s fat pockets
Now this I agree with
for the love of god no, and someone remove this goon from commissioner . he’s done absolutely nothing but ruin the national pastime
Technically the 2028 Summer Olympics are in the U.S. so he does in a way, have to worry about it, but I wholeheartedly agree with you on what you said.
I hate Manfred but the rule changes have been overwhelmingly positive. Looking forward to ABS too.
Ghost runner rule is a positive? They should do away with that now that they have a pitch clock shortening rule
I understand the hate for Manfred, what I don’t understand is why people ask for him to step down. He is just a mouthpiece for the owners. Do you honestly think that a different Baseball Commissioner would somehow be better?
“Goon”. I love it! I take it the notion of a post-season series in November in, say, Boston where it could be 28 degrees isn’t to your liking?
Noooo! Boooo!
Yes, Baseball on the World Stage reaching out to a world market is a smart idea.
Don’t see why it would it would have to be on west coast. Sure it’s a longer flight but these guys fly charter. What’s four extra hours when the games are four days after the All Star game?
Because the Olympics are in LA.
Stay away. There’s plenty of baseball without the Olympics and then there’s the likelihood of injuries….
As a Mets fan I see the risk of injuries but this needs to happen, it’s great for the game.
If there’s too much for detail for you, fine, just skip over it. But it’s good writing, better than you’ll see in 98% of baseball sites. Maybe the producer of gibberish is you?
As the 2027 lockout bleeds into 2028 the players will have an opening!
Yeah. How about you focus on getting a CBA done before you worry about this crap that’s 3 years away
The opening part tonight looked straight out of a old carnival cruise ship. It’s almost a 100 games now before the break, so its something the players may be use to by now. Tigers looked like they needed a break, but then 6 went to the A.S.G ! Go TIGERS !
They could just use guys from the Minors, which should be more than strong enough for the world.
The US wants to see us win.They took the college players out because they weren’t good enough.
Messing with MLB’s regular season and having a long break in July will mess up a lot teams. Not that my opinion means anything, but I don’t want MLB players in the Olympics. Let the minor leaguers play it. Let the unsigned free agents play.
The MLB season is 162 games. It’s tough to stop and start a marathon.
Couldn’t we just cut the regular season schedule 3 games or so to help accommodate the Olympic break. Just cut the added interleague “rivalry” series for one year.
And perhaps move the All Star game to Wednesday to help with logistics – what’s so sacred about Tuesday anyway? And drop the HR Derby for a year. Or have baseball day 1 precede the Opening Ceremony. Plenty of logistical options here.
Cannot understand why people here hold the regular season or WBC over the Olympics. Nuts!
This is great…until 2032 when the Olympics are in Australia or future when the games will be played when nobody is awake to watch.
Tape delay of USA vs Saudi Arabia isn’t very appealing.
Love the Steelers.
I’d be fine with this being a one off. Baseball is our game and we are hosting the Olympics. If there’s ever a single time to do this, it is now.
When the logistics are different, then keep MLB running as normal.
Ha ha. Awww you poor thing. The 2032 Olympics is in my home city. How dare we not think of the American viewer !
Ps. Baseball at the olympics is not about you. It’s about expanding the game internationally.
Is the MLB not an American sport designed for the American Viewer? Is there even a professional league in Australia? The world gets the benefit of entertainment by the USA but it’s still ultimately designed for the U.S. consumer.
Of course.
Maybe semi professional.
Sure but they want to expand the game internationally. Just like most sports. The Olympics is a great vehicle for that. It’s why many sports try to get their game included. No one cares if USA baseball fans watch it or not.
They most certainly do care if US fans watch. They want the tv ad revenue and marketing it generates in the U.S. They are 95+% of the revenue.There will be no chance of MLB players in the Brisbane games. The time difference is too much. The cost will outweigh any international growth that could happen. US fans aren’t watching baseball in the middle of the night except for maybe a game or two. They would have to shut down the MLB season for a month for travel and time adjustments.
Dude, it’s the Olympics. Baseball will be a very minor,
if not inconsequential player in the whole TV revenue deal. I repeat, no one will care if USA baseball fans tune in.
To soothe the hurt, I’ll put it another way.
No one in the cricket governing body is going to care how many Australians, Englishmen or Indians tune in to watch in 2028 where it’s been included. That one is all about you. It’s how it works. You don’t waste your time worrying about the already locked in fan.
Are you really comparing cricket to a 10 billion a year league? The Olympics made 7.6 billion revenue from the last games. How much do you think it’s going up by being in the US this time? They most certainly care about the Locked in fan. That’s where the money comes from. I guarantee I get 100x the marketing to watch, purchase products and ticket sales then any non U.S. resident does.
Yes I am. Cricket is worth 6 billion.
Ok. You are very important. Carry on.
No Matter which team you root for, there is no way I want any pitcher for my team wasting innings pitching in the Olympics….. 1 inning in the All- Star game is too much as it is.
The thought of being able to see MLB players at the Olympics just up the freeway is awesome. I’d love to make this happen.
STOP SCREWING UP BASEBALL!
The timeline for opening the A’s Las Vegas stadium is the 2028 season. Just saying.
Not only is it yet to be built, but Las Vegas didn’t submit a bid to host an Olympic baseball game at that yet-to-be-built stadium, just saying.
I think it’s hilarious that everyone just assumes that the players would be playing for the US team. The Dominican Republic is enjoying the popcorn on this discussion. Meanwhile, and I know this is sacrilege, but is it the worst thing in the world if Olympic year seasons were 154 games long?
Typically terrible idea from Manfred, though you can be sure he is only doing the bidding of his masters the owners. They have done everything they can to injure the integrity of the game for a long time.
I suppose in a few years the whole concept of the established teams will disappear, and MLB will devolve into a series of exhibitions, with teams of superstars created to play in traveling tournaments at particular times in the summer, and stupid stunts competitions like the home-run contest held in between. I’m glad I won’t be around to see what was once a sublime, wonderful American institution decay into something like that.
Based on the amount of predictions you’ve gotten wrong through the season, I’m fine with the warnings, because at this point, I’m sure they won’t be correct and are only made out of hyperbole and conjecture.
@Stein: Maybe–though this is a very different kind of prediction. It is in the realm of the social sciences, of economics and, in a way, what one scholar called “the sociology of sports.” Baseball has changed remarkably in my life as a fan. Some of the changes, IMO, have been for the good; many of them, I think, have been for the bad. You will have to wait and see what the future brings.
S/b: “number of predictions,” btw: We use “number,” not “amount” for countable things. (Even if it is a very high number to count, like that of my bad predictions… :))
Major League Baseball will long outlive you.
Aye, but in what kind of vitiated, obviated, adulterated form?
The game is in fine shape. As for the future, taking it international is the way to go. There’s nothing wrong with widening MLB’s reach.
It’s more difficult for Alan to troll when the Cubs aren’t having his predicted rough week. Let him troll Manfred for a day or two.
@Kabong: You are certainly right about that.
There’s absolutely no reason to have an all star game if MLB players are participating in the Olympics. The Olympic Games would take up a fairly significant chunk of time to get the games in.
go crazy. split season into two halves like its 1981 again.
July-Aug Olympics
have a march madness style tournament at the end to get to WS
have WS go all the way into snow season in December.
have free agency winter session begin on last day of WS just before strike happens
We know there is a strike coming beginning 2027.
The WBC is truly gaining traction with baseball’s elite. Just stay with the WBC – it’s working.
Olympics is a way bigger opportunity for international viewers.
The IOC won’t be happy until they have professionals competing in every single Olympic event. Revenue is all they’re about these days.
Doubleheaders.
Sure, doubleheaders and rescheduling. Happens all the time with champions league soccer overlapping w domestic leagues. Or just pick all Dodgers for the Olympics and have the Dodgers make due with a 154 gm schedule. So they only win the West by 8 games instead of 12…
Do this for the WBC. Players are stretched out and at their peak. WBC is the best brand of baseball and already gets more viewers than the World Series. Put it on where there is no other major sport being played. Best way to grow the game is to prioritize international play. Forget the Olympics.
IMO it would be better to skip the All-Star game that year.
So some players going to play in the Olympics and play a 162 game season? I highly doubt big money pitchers would be allowed to play.
If I’m an owner and I’m paying a player 30+ million per season you can bet your butt that you aren’t playing in the Olympics in the middle of the season.
As for the break, i have absolute faith that Manfred will screw it up spectacularly
As much as I would like for the USA to win gold but if I was an owner I would put in any future contacts the any Olympics that the players can not participate because why should the team be pentized if the player gets injured and could end up hurting the team during the late season
Start the season while it’s snowing.
End the season while its snowing.
Have World Series at neutral southern park or in a dome.
That is what it would take to accomodate 3 week break for Olympics in middle of season. That or shorten the season and I doubt any of the TV contracts allow that to happen.
Let’s go the Olympics and get players injured! No brainer.
He’ll do exactly what the owners tell him to, like a good little boy. As long as he and his benefactors “wet their beaks,” it will happen.
I’d like to see them use first half and second half during the regular season like the strike shortened season in early 80’s again, if this long break happens. Then also modify trade deadline or do away with it during this future season.