MLB Weighs Olympic Participation Amid July Schedule Conflicts

Major League Baseball (MLB) is taking a serious look at letting its top players compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If this happens, it’d mark a big change in how the league treats baseball’s role on the world stage.

Pulling it off won’t be easy. There are plenty of logistical headaches—scheduling, team approvals, TV contracts—that’ll need sorting out.

Here’s a quick dive into what’s at stake and how this bold idea might actually happen.

MLB and the Olympics: A Global Opportunity

For a lot of fans and people inside the game, seeing MLB’s best at the 2028 Olympics is the ultimate scenario. Olympic baseball has usually featured amateurs or minor leaguers, which has made those tournaments feel a bit second-rate.

But the 2028 Games could finally put elite talent on display for a global audience. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred thinks the Olympics could be a huge “global marketing opportunity” for baseball, especially as the sport tries to grow its reach worldwide.

The Challenge: Scheduling Conflicts

The biggest snag is the Olympics’ timing. The baseball tournament is set for July 15-20, 2028, right during MLB’s usual All-Star break.

On top of that, the Olympic opening ceremony lands on July 14, which is probably when the MLB All-Star Game would be held. That’s a recipe for chaos.

Trying to stretch the All-Star break so players can travel and compete would throw off the league’s regular-season rhythm. Manfred admits that giving players enough time for both events could mess with MLB’s whole schedule.

Conversations in Progress

MLB officials have already started talking with the L.A. Olympics organizers and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). They’re all looking for a solution that works for everyone and keeps the season as smooth as possible.

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark says players are genuinely excited about the Olympics. Still, he’s quick to point out that “many details remain unresolved.”

Travel logistics are a big question mark. And there’s the matter of whether MLB’s TV partners will go along with the schedule shake-ups needed to make this work.

Key Approvals and Adjustments

For any of this to happen, MLB teams have to sign off on letting their players go. The league’s always been cautious about sending stars to international events mid-season.

Back in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, MLB didn’t allow anyone on 40-man rosters to play. Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) League paused its own schedule, and Japan ended up winning gold.

Manfred says getting owners on board and tweaking broadcast contracts are both huge steps. It won’t be simple—there’s everything from TV rights to possible revenue hits for MLB and its teams to think about.

A Vision for the Future of Baseball

If MLB players do make it to the Olympics, the sport could get a global boost. Seeing the game’s biggest stars on that stage might fire up longtime fans and win over new ones in places where baseball isn’t as popular.

The next few years will be crucial as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach. There’s hope that, with everyone at the table, a solution will come together—but it’s far from a sure thing.

What Could This Mean for Baseball Fans?

Imagine seeing Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, or Mookie Betts chasing Olympic gold at Dodger Stadium. That’s a wild thought for baseball fans, honestly.

But there’s a catch. MLB might have to tweak the season or even skip the All-Star Game for a year.

As talks keep moving, fans might want to keep an eye out for updates. MLB joining the 2028 Olympics isn’t just about star power—it could help baseball reach a bigger global audience.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB interested in players participating in LA Olympics, but Games’ baseball schedule puts league in July bind