MLBPA Demands Impacting MLB Players’ Availability for LA28 Olympics

By admin — In News — July 14, 2026

   ​After receiving support from MLB team owners for MLB players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the MLB Players Association is making some demands that could impact players’ availability for the Games.“Potential complications have arisen during negotiations, which involve a complex web of issues that include hotel rooms, tickets, insurance, NIL rights and the mandatory-participation agreement proposed by the league that would place players who run afoul of requirements on the restricted list, without pay or service time, from July 12 to Aug. 3, according to a copy of the league’s proposal obtained by ESPN,” Passan wrote.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe MLBPA reportedly wants a deal similar to the one between the International Olympic Committee, National Hockey League and NHLPA.Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Team USA celebrates winning the Gold Medal in Women’s ice hockey against Canada in overtime of the women’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesMLBPA lawyer and special adviser Ian Penny explained how MLB players offer a lot of financial value to LA28. The 2026 World Baseball Classic proved that, with MLB stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge participating in the tournament.Mar 14, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Japan designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Venezuela in the first inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesPenny said that MLB players should be fairly compensated for the financial value they offer.“Ideally,” Penny wrote, per ESPN, “that consideration would closely align with the value created and include direct compensation. However, what these proposals are largely designed to accomplish is to prevent our members from losing money by participating, whether due to expenses incurred or commercial rights lost, both individually and collectively. Given the significant financial benefits flowing to non-athlete stakeholders in the Games, we view these proposals as particularly modest and imminently reasonable.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMultiple MLB players have expressed a desire to compete in LA28. But for now, some more negotiations will need to be held between MLBPA and the LA28 committee.Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesThe post MLBPA Demands Impacting MLB Players’ Availability for LA28 Olympics appeared first on LA Sports Report.  

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