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.

Published on Feb. 13, 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 some issues to resolve with the players' union but that he feels 'a lot of momentum' toward making it happen. Manfred noted the Olympics in the U.S. would be a 'unique marketing opportunity' for the sport.

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 play in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Manfred's comments suggest the league is more open to Olympic involvement, which could boost the sport's global profile.

The details

Manfred said an agreement is needed with the Major League Baseball Players Association before MLB players can participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The baseball tournament will be played from July 13-19 at Dodger Stadium, with MLB planning an extended All-Star break from July 9-21. Manfred also noted that an agreement is needed on insurance to cover player contracts for time with Olympic teams.

  • The 2028 Olympics baseball tournament will be played from July 13-19 at Dodger Stadium.
  • MLB is planning an extended All-Star break from July 9-21, 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 MLB players, which needs to reach an agreement with MLB for 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, MLB Commissioner (wbal.com)

What’s next

An agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association is still needed before MLB players can participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

MLB's potential participation in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles represents a significant opportunity to boost the sport's global profile, though some key issues around player availability and insurance still need to be resolved between the league and players' union.