Baseball approved as a 2028 L.A. Olympic sport but will MLB stars go for gold?

With baseball’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Southern Californian baseball enthusiasts are buzzing with queries.

Will stars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani chase Olympic glory? And will Dodger Stadium be overtaken by the Summer Olympics amidst the Major League Baseball season?

Casey Wasserman, the LA28 organizing committee’s chairman, commented, “We’ve engaged in fruitful discussions with MLB and the players union. I’m confident that both the league and its players are eager to participate.”

Early Monday in Mumbai, the International Olympic Committee approved LA28’s sports proposal, which also features flag football, cricket, softball, lacrosse, and squash.

Every Olympic host city gets the privilege to introduce some sports for that specific edition, apart from the regular 28, like gymnastics and basketball. Only standout performances by these new sports might earn them a permanent spot.

Having experienced fluctuating Olympic participation in the past, baseball would gain significantly if major-leaguers joined in 2028. Wasserman added, “We’re looking forward to groundbreaking partnerships with pro leagues across these new sports.”

Yet, integrating professional athletes into the Olympics has its complexities.

The NHL’s fluctuating commitment to the Winter Games has historically involved intense debates about disrupting the season and securing expensive players against potential injuries.

While the MLB might be hesitant to pause for two weeks during peak season, Commissioner Rob Manfred’s response to the news was rather ambiguous, emphasizing the global growth of the sport.

Introducing a new sport can be challenging, necessitating negotiations among diverse stakeholders with varying objectives.

While the local committee eyes events that boost ticket sales and merchandise, the IOC leans towards sports that amplify their reach in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America.

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Months of deliberation between LA28 organizers and the IOC preceded Monday’s decision. The selection of cricket, immensely popular globally but less so in the U.S., might hint at the compromises that arose during these discussions. The potential of a new venue by Major League Cricket in Irvine was a cost-saving bonus.

International federations for each sport, considering the potential financial benefits of Olympic inclusion, often advocate openly for their cause.

Flag football’s campaign received a boost from the NFL, even highlighting the sport in a Super Bowl TV commercial.

Baseball approved as a 2028 L.A. Olympic sport but will MLB stars go for gold?

NFL’s Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Monday, “The NFL is dedicated to enhancing flag football’s Olympic stature over the long haul.”

For football, aligning with the Olympics isn’t too cumbersome since their season starts later in the year, and it’s improbable that top players like Patrick Mahomes would switch to flag football.

Should MLB players opt out in 2028, the venue for the competition remains an open question. While Dodger Stadium seems apt for major matches, this might necessitate a prolonged away schedule for the Dodgers.

Baseball approved as a 2028 L.A. Olympic sport but will MLB stars go for gold?

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