MLB Owners Back Big-League Players in 2028 Olympics but Union Talks Stall

Major League Baseball has secured owner support to send big-league players to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the first time, but unresolved issues with the MLB Players Association have left the arrangement in doubt. The league plans to pause play for 11 days to stage an All-Star Game on the West Coast ahead of a six-team baseball tournament at Dodger Stadium.

Officials at LA28 have asked for a quick resolution after months of negotiations.

Negotiations and sticking points Emails and documents obtained by ESPN show the two sides have clashed over housing, tickets, insurance, NIL rights and a mandatory-participation clause. The league's May 27 proposal would place non-compliant players on the restricted list without pay or service time from July 12 to Aug.

3. The MLBPA has rejected that framework and is seeking terms comparable to the deal the International Olympic Committee reached with the National Hockey League and NHL Players' Association for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. "We made a proposal to the union which included a schedule and a mandatory participation agreement," MLB spokesperson Glen Caplin said.

player reaction LA28 offered 435 additional hotel rooms beyond the 100 reserved by MLB and 100 for the Japanese national team. The organizing committee also said players could buy two tickets per game and expressed confidence it could expand that allotment.

Four All-Stars told ESPN they plan to stay in the Olympic Village on UCLA's campus and use hotel rooms for family members. "It's such a great opportunity for all athletes to come together in all different walks of life, all different cultures. I love it," Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper said.