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

Manfred said there are still issues to resolve with the Major League Baseball Players Association before those Olympic aspirations are a reality.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed optimism that major league players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though he acknowledged there are still unresolved issues with the MLB Players Association. Manfred said there is "a lot of momentum" towards having MLB players compete in the Olympics, which will feature a six-nation baseball tournament at Dodger Stadium. An agreement with the union is needed, as well as arrangements for insurance to cover player contracts during the Olympics.

Why it matters

The participation of MLB players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would be a significant boost for the sport, providing a unique marketing opportunity and allowing top talent to represent their countries on the global stage. However, the negotiations between MLB and the players' union will be critical to making this a reality.

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. 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 spots. MLB did not allow players on 40-man rosters to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

  • The six-nation baseball tournament will be played from July 13-19, 2028 at Dodger Stadium.
  • MLB is planning for an extended All-Star break between July 9 and July 21, 2028, with the All-Star Game likely at San Francisco on July 11.

The players

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Major League Baseball Players Association

The labor union representing professional baseball players in the United States and Canada.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

An agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association is needed before MLB players can participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, an agreement on insurance to cover player contracts for time with Olympic teams must be reached.

The takeaway

The potential participation of MLB players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represents a significant opportunity for the sport to reach a global audience and showcase its top talent. However, the negotiations between the league and the players' union will be critical in determining whether this becomes a reality.