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An update on the looming MLB owners’ lockout

Major League Baseball’s next collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, and team owners are poised to impose a lockout on players—a move that would halt the 2027 season. While Commissioner Rob Manfred has repeatedly emphasized the league’s desire to avoid a shutdown and continue play, his public statements have not ruled out the possibility.

Behind the scenes, labor negotiations have been ongoing, though progress remains uncertain as both sides grapple with key issues, including revenue sharing and the future of regional sports networks (RSNs).

A potential lockout could introduce financial consequences for owners, particularly if the season is shortened or delayed. Sources indicate that if 60 or more games are lost—likely pushing the season past late May—broadcast networks would gain an extra year on their current contracts, extending them through 2029 instead of 2028.

This shift could delay the lucrative national TV rights deals owners had hoped to finalize after the 2028 season, potentially costing them millions. Teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Cubs—who partially own their RSNs—may also face pressure to relinquish those rights to the league, further complicating negotiations.

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