MLB and players union at odds over 2028 Summer Olympics participation

Disagreements between MLB, the MLB Players Association and officials with the 2028 Olympics has slowed momentum from the game’s biggest stars participating in the Summer Games, according to a new report. The three sides have been in ongoing conflict over the specifics of baseball at the Olympics for months per ESPN. Particular sticking points revolve around hotel rooms, tickets and a mandatory-participation agreement.LA28 and MLB are seeking a quick solution as the two plan to shut down the league for 11 days to accommodate an All-Star Game and a six-team Olympic tournament. The MLBPA has been reluctant to sign an agreement, seeking a deal similar to what the International Olympic Committee, National Hockey League and NHLPA signed to bring NHL players back to the Olympics in 2026 after 12 years away. “We made a proposal to the union which included a schedule and a mandatory participation agreement,” MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said, according to ESPN.“The union then pursued a negotiation with LA28 over largely economic issues, including housing and tickets, and told us they would not respond until they finished with LA28.”Sources told ESPN that MLB is seeking mandated participation that would place players who avoid participation in the Games on the restricted list — without pay — from July 12 to Aug.

3. The MLBPA strongly opposed the idea, specifically the punishment, and commissioner Rob Manfred’s ability “to discipline for just cause” with “a fine and/or unpaid suspension” under the clause. The players union also pursued negotiations over housing and tickets, seemingly asking for hotel rooms for players and tickets available for their friends and family.Despite four All-Stars telling ESPN on Monday they would be willing to stay in the Olympic Village on UCLA’s campus, LA28 offered 435 hotel rooms on top of the 100 reserved by MLB and another 100 for the Japanese national team.The desire to allow MLB players to participate in the Oly...