Manfred Eyes Unified MLB Media Rights by 2028 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says broadcast talks are progressing after meetings with media leaders. He addressed future media strategy, team sales, stadium timelines, and gambling enforcement. The league aims to unify national and local rights by 2028 for stronger long-term deals.
Quick Looks
- Manfred optimistic about unified national broadcast deals by 2028
- ESPN exiting Sunday Night Baseball and other events after 2024
- MLB taking over local broadcasts for five franchises this season
- Rays and Twins both navigating sale negotiations
- Oakland A’s to play in Sacramento until Las Vegas stadium opens
- MLB enforces strict sports betting rules, bans and suspensions issued
- Tropicana Field may be ready by 2026 after hurricane damage
- Wrigley Field to host 2027 All-Star Game; Philly in 2026
- MLB diversity programs adjusted amid legal considerations
- Minor league affiliate structure could change post-2030
Deep Look
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred believes Major League Baseball is entering a critical window to reshape its media strategy ahead of 2028, and says recent discussions with top industry executives signal meaningful progress. Speaking with reporters at the All-Star Game and recapping his trip to the elite Allen & Co. Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, Manfred detailed MLB’s evolving approach to media rights, team transactions, and infrastructure developments shaping the league’s future.
Manfred’s visit to Sun Valley—where tech, media, and finance moguls gather annually—yielded what he called “a great week” filled with productive conversations that moved the league “significantly closer” to new national broadcasting agreements. ESPN previously announced its departure from broadcasting Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and the Wild Card Series after the 2024 season. MLB’s goal is now to align the expiration of all its national TV rights—currently split between Fox and TBS (both through 2028)—to allow for unified, more flexible negotiations in the future.
MLB is already expanding its control over local media, producing and distributing games for five clubs (Arizona, Cleveland, Colorado, Minnesota, and San Diego) in 2024. Manfred described this as an “interim step” designed to give MLB leverage when re-entering the broadcast market in 2028. “It’s not a goal in and of itself,” he clarified, noting that this centralized approach will help MLB bundle both local and national rights creatively to maximize reach and revenue in a disrupted media landscape.
Franchise Transactions: Rays and Twins
Turning to team ownership, Manfred acknowledged the expected sale of the Tampa Bay Rays. A group led by Patrick Zalupski, Bill Cosgrove, and Ken Babby is in exclusive negotiations, and reports suggest the deal could be finalized by September. “I have no reason to quibble with or dispute the reports,” Manfred said, confirming MLB’s awareness and oversight of the process.
The Rays are currently playing home games at Steinbrenner Field—spring training home of the Yankees—after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field last October. MLB expects the team to return to the Trop by 2026, although contingency plans are in place if renovations are delayed.
The Minnesota Twins are also expected to be sold in the near future. After initially expressing interest, Justin Ishbia (brother of Suns owner Mat Ishbia) instead became a minority partner in the Chicago White Sox. “There will be a transaction,” Manfred said. “You just need to be patient while they rework.”
Athletics, Vegas, and Stadium Strategy
The Oakland Athletics, in transition to Las Vegas, will play three seasons in Sacramento at a Triple-A facility. Manfred defended the choice, saying, “If I had a brand new gleaming stadium to move them into, we would have done that.” The Vegas stadium is projected to be ready in 2028.
Sports Betting Oversight Intensifies
Manfred also addressed sports betting enforcement, an area of growing concern since the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized wagering nationwide. MLB permanently banned Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano in June 2024 and suspended four others. Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired earlier in the year, and a probe into Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz remains ongoing.
Manfred emphasized the importance of transparency and monitoring, saying the league is better positioned now than in the pre-legalization era, when much of the activity was underground. “We had no idea what threats there were to the integrity of the play,” he noted. He voiced particular concern over prop bets tied to isolated events, calling them “particularly vulnerable.”
Diversity Pipeline Adjustments
In a notable change, MLB removed certain diversity-focused language from its Careers webpage in March. Manfred attributed the shift to concerns over legal vulnerabilities, particularly as federal attitudes toward race- and gender-based hiring programs evolve. “We felt it was important to recast our programs… to continue to pursue the values that we have always adhered to,” he said.
All-Star Futures and Minor League Plans
Manfred confirmed that the 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be played in Philadelphia, with Wrigley Field set to host in 2027. Baltimore, Boston, and Toronto are also under consideration for future games.
Looking ahead to the minor leagues, Manfred remained noncommittal on whether MLB would reduce its 120-affiliate system after the current Professional Development Licenses expire in 2030. “College baseball’s changing big time,” he said, leaving the future open to adaptation but offering no indication of downsizing—yet.
Manfred Eyes Unified Manfred Eyes Unified
