MLB Considers Allowing Players in 2028 Olympics

During the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star break in Atlanta, Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLB Players Association (MLBPA) Executive Director Tony Clark announced ongoing discussions to allow MLB players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This initiative aims to showcase baseball on a global stage by integrating MLB talent into the Olympic tournament.

The proposed plan involves extending the All-Star break to accommodate the Olympic baseball tournament, scheduled for July 15-20, 2028, at Dodger Stadium. While players have expressed interest, MLB and the MLBPA are assessing logistical challenges, including scheduling, travel, insurance, and the impact on non-participating players. No final decision has been made.

Baseball's history in the Olympics has been marked by intermittent inclusion. It was a medal sport from 1992 to 2008 but was excluded in 2012 and 2016. The sport returned for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Japan secured the gold medal by defeating the United States. During the Tokyo Games, MLB did not permit players on 40-man rosters to participate, leading to teams composed mainly of minor leaguers and free agents.

Commissioner Manfred acknowledged the challenges of integrating MLB players into the Olympic schedule, stating, "Everyone appreciates the challenges associated with major league players playing in a tournament that is in the middle of our season. We're an everyday game. We're kind of big on the integrity of that regular season. It's an important thing for us."

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark highlighted player interest, noting, "We do know players are interested in playing, whether it's for Team USA or any number of other teams around the world. There's just a lot of conversation that needs to be had sooner rather than later to see how viable this is, but we're hopeful that we can figure our way through it for the benefit of the game."

Integrating MLB players into the Olympics presents several logistical challenges:

• Scheduling: The Olympic baseball tournament is set for July 15-20, 2028, coinciding with MLB's midseason. Extending the All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics is under consideration, with discussions about potentially canceling the All-Star Game for that year.

• Season Integrity: Pausing the MLB season could disrupt the regular season's flow. Manfred emphasized the importance of maintaining the season's integrity, stating, "Continuity is really important to our competition."

• Player Participation: Allowing MLB players to participate would require coordination with the MLBPA and consideration of the impact on non-participating players.

Several high-profile MLB players have expressed a strong desire to represent their countries in the Olympics. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies stated, "You talk about growing the game, and that's the way you grow it at the highest peak. You let guys that are playing in the league take that break just like in the NHL and see what happens. I think it would be really cool. I think it would be a lot of fun. I don't know if they'll ever go for it, but I would love to put USA on my chest and represent it at the highest level."

Allowing MLB players to participate could significantly boost baseball's global profile, attracting new fans and increasing international interest. Participation could lead to increased merchandise sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals, benefiting both MLB and the Olympic Games. However, the added games and travel could impact player health and performance, necessitating careful planning to mitigate risks.

Other professional sports leagues have allowed their athletes to participate in the Olympics. The National Hockey League (NHL) paused its season for the Winter Olympics from 1998 to 2014 and plans to do so again in 2026 and 2030. The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has consistently allowed its players to participate in the Summer Olympics since 2000.

The Olympic baseball tournament is scheduled to be held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a historic venue that previously hosted Olympic baseball during the 1984 Games.

As discussions continue, the potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics represents a significant opportunity to elevate the sport's international presence and provide players with the chance to compete on one of the world's most prestigious stages.