Major League Baseball owners are reportedly in favor of allowing players to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but significant disagreements with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) threaten to derail the effort. The core of the conflict lies in mandatory participation agreements, player compensation, and logistical details such as accommodations and tickets.
According to ESPN, owners are pushing for rules that could place players on a restricted list without pay for up to a month if they decline to participate in the Olympics. The MLBPA strongly opposes this, arguing that Commissioner Rob Manfred already possesses the authority to discipline players for just cause. Ian Penny, a special advisor for the MLBPA, stated in an email that the union seeks "fair treatment for its members" and compensation that aligns with the "substantial financial value" players would bring to the LA28 Games.
The union is seeking to prevent players from losing money due to expenses or lost commercial rights, viewing the proposals as "modest and imminently reasonable" given the financial benefits flowing to other stakeholders in the Games.
Many prominent players, including Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Mike Trout, have expressed interest in competing in the Olympics, having previously represented the United States in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
The Olympic baseball tournament is scheduled to take place at Dodger Stadium. The United States has secured a spot as the host nation, while the Dominican Republic and Venezuela qualified through the WBC. Six teams will compete in the tournament, divided into two groups, with group winners receiving a bye to the semifinals.
Logistical issues also remain a point of contention. The LA28 committee has offered 435 hotel rooms, with MLB having already reserved 200 – 100 for its players and another 100 for the Japanese national team. Some players, however, have indicated they would prefer to stay in the Olympic Village on UCLA's campus, using hotel rooms for their families. The LA28 committee has also informed players they could purchase two tickets per game, with the potential to acquire more.
MLB is proposing an 11-day shutdown of the season to accommodate the Olympic tournament, which would also include the preceding All-Star Game. The United States has reached three consecutive WBC finals, winning in 2017 but losing to Japan in 2023 and Venezuela in 2026.
The ongoing collective bargaining agreement discussions have created uncertainty regarding the 2027 MLB season, and the resolution of these Olympic participation disputes will be crucial for future player-owner relations.