Rob Manfred increasingly confident major leaguers will play in 2028 LA Olympics

Toronto, Oct 26: Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is increasingly confident big league players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
MLB did not allow players on 40-man rosters at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, when Nippon Professional Baseball interrupted its season and Japan beat the US 2-0 in the gold medal game.
MLB has discussed creating an extended All-Star break to allow participation in the 2028 Games, to be held from July 14-30.
An agreement with the players’ association is necessary and sponsor deals could be impacted.
“I am positive about it. I think that the owners have kind of crossed the line in terms of, we’d like to do it if we can possibly make it work,” Manfred said Saturday before Game 2 of the World Series.
“There are logistical issues that still need to be worked on.”
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the baseball tournament took place over 11 days, including a four-day group stage followed by knockout rounds and culminating in gold and bronze medal games.
Baseball at the LA Games is likely to have a more compressed format.
“We have made a lot of progress with LA 2028 in terms of the calendar,” Manfred said. “Right now we’re in discussions with the players’ association about that set of issues.”
Participation in 2028 is likely to be a one-off. The 2032 Olympics are scheduled for Brisbane, Australia. (AP)