Manfred Says MLB Plans to Play in 2027 as CBA Expires After 2026
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Manfred Says MLB Plans to Play in 2027 as CBA Expires After 2026
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Summary
Rob Manfred said MLB is "planning on playing baseball next year" but stopped short of guaranteeing a 2027 season as labor talks continue ahead of the CBA's expiration at the end of 2026.
Weekly meetings with the players' union are already underway, Manfred said during ESPN's Little League Classic broadcast, adding that both sides still have "a lot of work to do."
December 1 is the key date: owners could lock out players once the agreement expires, with the central fight expected to center on owners' push to curb player revenue and boost profits.
A prolonged stoppage would hit MLB as attendance and ratings are rising and a wave of young stars is helping sustain momentum across the sport.