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

Manfred says there are still issues to resolve with the players' union, but he feels 'pretty good' about getting a deal done.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed optimism that major league players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though he acknowledged there are still issues to resolve with the players' union. Manfred said he senses 'a lot of momentum' towards having MLB players compete in the Olympics, which will feature a six-nation baseball tournament at Dodger Stadium.

Why it matters

The participation of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics would be a significant boost for the sport, providing a high-profile global showcase. However, Manfred noted that an agreement is still needed with the players' union, as well as on insurance to cover player contracts during the Olympic competition.

The details

Manfred said the six-nation baseball tournament will be played from July 13-19 at Dodger Stadium, with MLB planning for an extended All-Star break between July 9 and July 21, likely with the All-Star Game on July 11 in San Francisco. The United States will have an automatic berth, and the top two other nations from the Americas in next month's World Baseball Classic will also earn berths.

  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will take place from July 13-19.
  • MLB is planning for an extended All-Star break between July 9 and July 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 Manfred must reach an agreement with to allow players to participate in the Olympics.

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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. I think we had a lot of players interested in doing it and, you know, I feel pretty good about the idea (that) we'll get there.”

— Rob Manfred, Commissioner, Major League Baseball (oneidadispatch.com)

What’s next

Manfred and the MLB Players Association must reach an agreement on the participation of major league players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as resolve insurance issues to cover player contracts during the Olympic competition.

The takeaway

The potential participation of MLB players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represents a significant opportunity to showcase the sport on a global stage, but Manfred and the players' union still have some key issues to resolve before that can become a reality.