Major League Baseball (MLB) players are increasingly likely to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics.
According to a report from MLB.com, on the 16th (Korea Standard Time), the MLB office and the players' union discussed ways to expand the All-Star break to facilitate players' Olympic participation.
Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, said in an interview with the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, where the 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be held, "Even if we extend the All-Star break, we can still play all 162 games without any issues until mid-November," and noted, "Significant adjustments are needed, but it's entirely feasible."
Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB players' union, who met with Commissioner Manfred, also said, "Players are showing interest in participating in the Olympics," and added, "There is still much to resolve, but we hope to address these issues."
MLB does not allow its players to participate in international competitions other than the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which is led by the MLB office, due to concerns over league revenue and the risk of player injuries. This is why MLB does not send players to the Olympics organized by the International Olympic Committee.
However, as the United States was selected as the host country for the 2028 Olympics, MLB's stance is changing.
Baseball events at the LA Olympics will be held from July 15 to 20 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. MLB players will find it challenging to participate in league schedules for about two weeks due to necessary training periods and other factors to compete in the Olympics.
The MLB office stated that since this period largely overlaps with the All-Star break, there would be no major issues with the league schedule. If the All-Star break is extended, it can allow players to participate in the Olympics without shortening the regular season schedule.
However, opinions have been raised about the need for practical solutions regarding player stamina, compensation for exposure to injury risks, and broadcast rights contracts. Clark stated, "We need to consider various factors, including players not participating in the Olympics, injury issues, and insurance matters."
Before meeting with Clark, Commissioner Manfred also discussed specific plans with representatives from the LA Olympic Organizing Committee.