MLB Commissioner Optimistic About Major Leaguers Playing in 2028 Olympics

Manfred says issues with players' union need to be resolved, but sees 'a lot of momentum' toward MLB participation in Los Angeles games.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed optimism that major league players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying there are still issues to resolve with the players' union but that he believes 'we're a lot closer to there than we were the last time we talked about it.' Manfred cited the 'unique marketing opportunity' of the Olympics on U.S. soil as a key factor driving the league's interest in having its stars compete.

Why it matters

MLB's participation in the Olympics would be a significant development, as the league did not allow players on 40-man rosters to take part in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Manfred's comments suggest the league is making progress in negotiations with the players' union, which would need to sign off on any Olympic involvement.

The details

Manfred said an agreement is still needed with the Major League Baseball Players Association before Olympic participation is finalized, including on issues around insurance to cover player contracts during the Olympics. The baseball tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Games is scheduled for July 13-19 at Dodger Stadium, with MLB planning an extended All-Star break from July 9-21 to accommodate the event.

  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled for July 13-19.
  • MLB is planning an extended All-Star break from July 9-21, with the All-Star Game likely on July 11.

The players

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Major League Baseball Players Association

The labor union representing MLB players, which would need to agree to any Olympic participation.

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What they’re saying

“I sense a lot of momentum towards playing in LA in 2028. 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.”

— Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner (srnnews.com)

What’s next

An agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association is still needed to finalize MLB's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The takeaway

MLB's potential return to the Olympics after skipping the 2021 Tokyo Games represents a significant opportunity for the league to showcase its stars on a global stage and grow the sport's popularity, though key details around player participation and insurance still need to be worked out with the players' union.