Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic that top players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This marks a potential shift from the 2021 Tokyo Games, when MLB did not allow players on 40-man rosters to join the tournament. Manfred confirmed that MLB has discussed creating an extended All-Star break to allow participation in the 2028 Games, which will take place from July 14 to 30. Agreements with the players’ association and sponsorship deals are crucial before a final decision is made. “I am positive about it. I think that the owners are interested in making it happen if we can work out the logistics,” Manfred said before Game 2 of the World Series. He acknowledged that some issues still need to be resolved to ensure players can take part. At the Tokyo Olympics, baseball took place over 11 days with group stages, knockout rounds, and medal games. The Los Angeles tournament is likely to feature a shorter, more compressed schedule. Manfred said progress has been made in aligning the calendar for the 2028 Games. Participation in 2028 is expected to be a one-off. The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, pose even greater logistical challenges, making participation unlikely there. “The logistics of LA, as shown by our ongoing discussions, are difficult. Brisbane would be even more challenging,” Manfred noted. Manfred also addressed other league matters, including payroll disparities among teams. Los Angeles entered this season as baseball’s top spender, with a projected $509 million in payroll and luxury tax, compared with the Miami Marlins’ $69 million. Toronto is fifth at $266 million. Despite concerns about competitive balance, Manfred said the outcome of the World Series is no more relevant than past seasons. On sports betting, MLB continues investigations that led to Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz being placed on paid leave. Ortiz last pitched on June 27 and Clase on July 26. Manfred emphasized the league’s focus on protecting the integrity of the game. MLB has systems in place to monitor data and detect unusual activity, he said, adding that thorough investigations are conducted whenever issues arise. Manfred highlighted that the expanded playoff format, with 12 of 30 teams making the postseason, has been successful. The best-of-three wildcard series, played at the higher-seeded team’s ballpark, has improved the playoff experience. He said the structure feels balanced and allows teams to compete fairly. Expansion remains a priority for MLB. Manfred hopes two new teams will be selected before his term ends in January 2029. The Tampa Bay Rays require a new ballpark deal before a team can be added, while Montreal has shown interest in joining the league again. Other Canadian cities are also considered viable candidates for future expansion. Broadcast agreements are in the final drafting stages. MLB has deals with Comcast’s NBCUniversal for the wildcard series and Sunday night games, Netflix for the All-Star Home Run Derby, and ESPN for a regular-season package and in-market rights for several teams. Manfred noted that long-form contracts take time to finalize. The Tampa Bay Rays are recovering from Hurricane Milton, which damaged Tropicana Field. The team played home games at Steinbrenner Field this season and hopes to return to its home stadium for the opening games in April. Shohei Ohtani has contributed to the Dodgers reaching consecutive World Series, boosting viewership in Japan. “Shohei has been the greatest benefit to the game throughout the year. His performance in the LCS was incredible, and we are fortunate to have him in the World Series,” Manfred said. MLB is now preparing for the 2028 Olympics, with commissioner Manfred confident that stars will be on the field. The extended All-Star break, union approval, and sponsorship agreements are central to making participation a reality.