MLB Olympic Participation 2028: Policy Implications for LA Games

October 30, 2025

Current Status of MLB Olympic Participation

Baseball’s potential return to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games represents a significant development in international sports policy. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently expressed optimism about the possibility following productive meetings with LA 2028 Olympics officials, though substantial hurdles remain before this vision becomes reality.

“We’ve had good conversations,” Manfred said in a statement reported by The Japan Times. “I think there’s a real desire on the part of the Olympic movement to have baseball in the Los Angeles Olympics. We share that desire.”

Baseball last appeared as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo Games in 2021 (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), where Japan claimed gold. The sport was previously dropped after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making its inclusion in Los Angeles particularly significant for American audiences and the global baseball community.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already approved baseball’s inclusion for the 2028 program, alongside softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. However, MLB’s participation specifically would require unprecedented coordination between the professional league, the IOC, and multiple levels of government.

Policy Challenges and Intergovernmental Coordination

The potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics presents complex policy challenges requiring coordinated efforts across multiple stakeholders. Unlike international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic, which MLB has embraced by adjusting its schedule, the Olympics present more significant timing conflicts with the regular MLB season.

The primary policy challenges include:

Schedule Alignment: The Olympic Games typically occur during MLB’s regular season (July-August), requiring potential schedule modifications that impact teams, broadcast partners, and venue commitments.
Player Eligibility and Compensation: Determining which players can participate and how their Olympic participation affects existing contracts requires coordination between MLB, the Players Association, and potentially federal labor authorities.
Insurance and Risk Management: Protecting the substantial investments teams have made in players while they compete for their countries necessitates complex insurance arrangements potentially involving government backing.
Venue Utilization: Coordinating the use of MLB facilities or other baseball venues during the Olympics requires agreements between league officials, Olympic organizers, and local governments.

These challenges necessitate a coordinated policy approach involving federal agencies, state and local governments in California, MLB governance structures, and international Olympic authorities.

Federal Government’s Role in Olympic Planning

The federal government plays a crucial role in facilitating Olympic Games hosted in the United States, with responsibilities spanning multiple agencies and requiring bipartisan cooperation. For the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this role becomes particularly important when considering MLB participation.

Key federal entities involved include:

Department of State: Coordinates international aspects of the Games, including visa processing for athletes and delegations, security cooperation with international partners, and diplomatic engagement to ensure broad participation.

Department of Homeland Security: Oversees security operations and coordinates with local law enforcement to ensure safe competition environments. The designation of the Olympics as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) triggers specific federal protocols and resources.

Department of Commerce: Supports economic development opportunities surrounding the Games, including potential public-private partnerships that could facilitate MLB’s participation.

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC): Though not a federal agency, this congressionally chartered organization serves as the primary liaison between the U.S. government and the International Olympic Committee.

Federal legislation may be necessary to address specific challenges related to MLB participation. Previous Olympic hosting efforts have seen dedicated legislation to streamline federal support and coordination. The Olympic and Amateur Sports Act provides the framework for U.S. participation in the Olympics but may require amendments to address the unique circumstances of professional baseball player participation.

Bipartisan support will be essential, as Olympic hosting transcends typical political divisions. Representatives from both parties have historically united around successful Olympic hosting efforts, recognizing the national significance of these events beyond partisan considerations.

California State and Local Government Considerations

California state government and Los Angeles municipal authorities face distinct policy challenges and opportunities related to MLB’s potential Olympic participation. These entities must balance local interests with national and international Olympic requirements.

At the state level, California has established the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) as a coordinating entity for Olympic planning. This office works to align state resources, regulatory frameworks, and economic development initiatives with Olympic needs. The California State Legislature may need to consider temporary regulatory adjustments to accommodate Olympic operations, particularly if MLB venues require modifications or special operational permissions.

The Los Angeles City Council and Mayor’s Office have primary responsibility for local Olympic coordination through LA28, the official organizing committee. Their efforts include:

Transportation planning to ensure efficient movement between baseball venues and other Olympic sites
Local security coordination complementing federal efforts
Permitting and zoning considerations for temporary Olympic infrastructure
Community engagement to ensure local support and address concerns about disruption

Dodger Stadium, as a likely venue for Olympic baseball, presents specific policy considerations regarding its use during the MLB season. The stadium operates under existing agreements with the City of Los Angeles that may require temporary modifications to accommodate Olympic competition.

The LA28 organizing committee has emphasized sustainability and fiscal responsibility in its approach, aiming to utilize existing venues where possible. This aligns with MLB’s potential interest in showcasing its facilities on the Olympic stage without requiring significant new construction.

Intergovernmental coordination between state and local authorities is facilitated through the LA28 Board of Directors, which includes representatives from multiple levels of government alongside sports and business leaders. This structure provides a framework for addressing the complex policy questions surrounding MLB participation.

International Policy Implications

MLB’s potential Olympic participation extends beyond domestic policy considerations to include significant international dimensions. As the premier professional baseball league with players from numerous countries, MLB’s Olympic involvement would have diplomatic and sporting policy implications worldwide.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), recognized by the IOC as baseball’s governing body, must coordinate with MLB to establish eligibility criteria and competition formats. This relationship requires careful navigation of different governance structures and priorities.

For countries with strong baseball traditions like Japan, South Korea, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, MLB’s Olympic participation would have significant implications for their national teams and domestic leagues. These nations may need to adapt their own sports policies in response to MLB’s decisions.

International broadcast rights and media arrangements present another layer of complexity. The IOC’s existing broadcast agreements may conflict with MLB’s media partnerships, requiring negotiated solutions that satisfy multiple stakeholders while ensuring global access to Olympic baseball.

The U.S. State Department has historically viewed Olympic participation as an opportunity for sports diplomacy. MLB’s involvement could enhance these efforts, particularly in regions where baseball serves as a cultural connection point with the United States.

Trade considerations also factor into the international policy landscape. MLB represents a significant American cultural export, and its Olympic participation could strengthen international business relationships in the sports sector, potentially supporting broader trade objectives.

Economic and Infrastructure Impact

The economic implications of MLB’s potential Olympic participation extend beyond the direct costs and benefits to the league itself. A comprehensive policy approach must consider broader economic impacts across multiple sectors.

According to preliminary economic impact studies for the LA 2028 Olympics, the Games are projected to generate between $11 billion and $18 billion in economic output for the region. Baseball’s inclusion, particularly with MLB participation, could enhance this impact through:

Increased international tourism specifically targeting baseball events
Enhanced broadcast value for Olympic partners
Expanded merchandising opportunities combining Olympic and MLB branding
Legacy benefits for baseball facilities and development programs

Infrastructure considerations primarily center on the utilization of existing baseball venues rather than new construction. Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, and potentially other California MLB venues would likely serve as Olympic sites, requiring temporary modifications to meet Olympic specifications while maintaining their functionality for regular MLB games.

Public financing questions remain minimal compared to previous Olympics, as LA28 has emphasized a privately funded approach with limited public expenditure. However, public resources would still be required for security, transportation, and other support services surrounding baseball venues.

The economic policy framework established by local and state authorities aims to maximize benefits while mitigating potential negative impacts such as displacement or excessive public costs. This balanced approach aligns with evolving best practices in Olympic hosting that prioritize sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

Long-term economic benefits could include enhanced international visibility for MLB, potentially expanding its global market reach beyond the Olympics. This aligns with MLB’s strategic objectives for international growth while serving broader economic development goals.

Technology and Innovation Opportunities

The intersection of MLB participation in the 2028 Olympics presents unique opportunities for technology policy advancement and innovation. As both the Olympics and MLB continue to embrace technological transformation, their convergence creates a platform for showcasing American leadership in sports technology.

Broadcast innovations represent a primary area for technological advancement. The Olympics traditionally serve as a testing ground for new media technologies, from high-definition to virtual reality experiences. MLB’s sophisticated broadcast infrastructure, including Statcast and other advanced analytics platforms, could enhance Olympic baseball coverage while demonstrating American technological capabilities.

Data governance presents both challenges and opportunities. MLB’s extensive player tracking and performance data systems would need to integrate with Olympic information systems while addressing international data privacy regulations. This necessitates thoughtful policy approaches to data sharing, security, and ownership.

Smart venue technologies deployed at Olympic baseball sites could demonstrate next-generation approaches to facility management, crowd flow, and environmental sustainability. These innovations align with broader smart city initiatives in Los Angeles and could provide models for implementation elsewhere.

Digital engagement platforms connecting Olympic baseball audiences globally would showcase American leadership in fan experience technologies. These platforms could incorporate elements of MLB’s digital strategy while meeting the unique requirements of Olympic competition.

Public-private technology partnerships between government entities, MLB, technology companies, and academic institutions could accelerate innovation while ensuring appropriate governance frameworks. The Olympic context provides motivation for collaborative approaches that might otherwise face institutional barriers.

Policy considerations should include:

Intellectual property protections for technological innovations
Standards for data interoperability between systems
Cybersecurity frameworks protecting critical infrastructure
Accessibility requirements ensuring technological inclusion

These technology policy dimensions extend beyond the immediate Olympic context to influence broader sports technology governance and innovation ecosystems.

Path Forward: Collaborative Solutions

Achieving MLB’s participation in the 2028 Olympics will require unprecedented collaboration across governmental, commercial, and sporting entities. A successful path forward demands innovative policy approaches that respect the interests of all stakeholders while prioritizing the broader public benefit of Olympic baseball.

Key elements of a collaborative solution include:

Joint Working Groups: Establishing formal coordination mechanisms between MLB, the IOC, LA28, federal agencies, and California authorities would provide structured environments for addressing complex challenges. These groups should include subject matter experts across relevant domains, from schedule management to security planning.

Legislative Framework: Congress may need to consider targeted legislation supporting Olympic baseball, potentially addressing specific regulatory barriers or providing temporary accommodations for the unique circumstances of the Games. Such legislation would ideally receive bipartisan support, reflecting the national significance of successful Olympic hosting.

Public-Private Partnerships: Innovative partnership models could help distribute financial responsibilities and operational burdens while leveraging the strengths of different entities. These partnerships might address venue preparation, technological infrastructure, or community engagement initiatives.

Transparent Decision Processes: Given the multiple stakeholders involved, transparency in decision-making becomes essential. Clear communication about how key decisions are reached can build trust among partners and with the public.

Incremental Approach: Rather than seeking immediate resolution of all issues, stakeholders might adopt a phased approach that addresses fundamental questions first before tackling more complex details. This could include early agreement on schedule parameters while deferring specific player selection protocols.

Community Engagement: Successful implementation requires public support, particularly in communities hosting Olympic baseball events. Engagement strategies should include local residents in planning processes and ensure that Olympic benefits extend to surrounding neighborhoods.

The timeline for resolving these issues is increasingly pressing as the 2028 Games approach. While Commissioner Manfred’s recent optimism suggests progress, significant policy work remains. The next 12-18 months will likely prove critical for establishing the fundamental agreements necessary for MLB participation.

The collaborative model developed for MLB’s Olympic participation could potentially serve as a template for future cooperation between professional sports leagues and Olympic organizers. This legacy dimension adds further significance to the current policy discussions.

As The M2 Group has observed in other complex policy environments, successful outcomes often depend on finding shared interests among diverse stakeholders. In the case of Olympic baseball, these shared interests include showcasing the sport globally, celebrating athletic excellence, and demonstrating effective public-private collaboration.

The path forward requires commitment from all parties to overcome institutional barriers and embrace innovative solutions. With appropriate policy frameworks and collaborative spirit, MLB’s participation in the 2028 Olympics remains an achievable goal with significant benefits for the sport, the Olympic movement, and the broader public interest.