MLB Players’ Olympic Participation Hinges on Labor Talks

Potential work stoppage in 2027 could derail plans for MLB players to compete in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics baseball tournament.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The prospect of Major League Baseball players competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is facing a significant hurdle: upcoming labor negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). A potential work stoppage in 2027 could effectively eliminate MLB player participation in the six-nation baseball tournament scheduled for Dodger Stadium from July 13-19, 2028.

Why it matters

The participation of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics baseball tournament is seen as a major boost for the event, but labor tensions between the league and players’ union threaten to derail those plans. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the profile and competitiveness of the Olympic baseball tournament.

The details

The MLBPA is currently in discussions with MLB, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Los Angeles Organizing Committee, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation regarding the Olympic event. However, these talks are unfolding alongside preparations for bargaining a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to replace the current one, which expires on December 1st. According to new acting union head Bruce Meyer, a disruption to the 2027 season would effectively eliminate MLB player participation in the 2028 Olympics. Even if a labor agreement is reached, significant logistical challenges remain, such as insurance coverage for player contracts and suitable accommodations for MLB players, who are accustomed to "first-class jet air and hotel accommodations." The costs associated with participation are also a factor that needs to be resolved.

  • The current MLB-MLBPA collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026.
  • A management lockout is anticipated on December 2, 2026.
  • The 2028 Olympic baseball tournament is scheduled for July 13-19, 2028 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

The players

Bruce Meyer

The new acting head of the MLB Players Association (MLBPA).

Tony Clark

The former head of the MLBPA, who recently resigned following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a union employee.

Major League Baseball (MLB)

The professional baseball league that is in negotiations with the MLBPA over a new collective bargaining agreement.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic Games, which is involved in discussions about MLB player participation in the 2028 Olympics.

Los Angeles Organizing Committee

The organization responsible for hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If we don't have a season, we're not going to play in the Olympics.”

— Bruce Meyer, Acting Head, MLB Players Association (MLBPA)

What’s next

The MLBPA and MLB will continue labor negotiations in the lead-up to the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement on December 1, 2026. The outcome of these talks will determine whether MLB players are able to participate in the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament.

The takeaway

The participation of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics baseball tournament is in jeopardy due to the looming labor negotiations between the league and the players’ union. A work stoppage in 2027 would effectively eliminate the possibility of MLB stars competing in the Olympics, highlighting the delicate balance between the league’s global aspirations and the ongoing labor dynamics within the sport.