Major League Baseball (MLB) has canceled plans to hold two games in London next year. The New York Yankees were set to face the Toronto Blue Jays on June 13 and 14, but scheduling conflicts with West Ham’s stadium complicated things. West Ham is busy with a Premier League match against Leeds on May 24, leaving little time to change the field from soccer to baseball. Additionally, MLB couldn’t secure a later date due to broadcasting commitments related to the men’s World Cup.
Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the decision during a Q&A session, noting that the league remains interested in expanding its footprint in Europe. MLB first played in London in 2019, when the Yankees took on the Boston Red Sox. There were also plans for games in 2020, but they were scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MLB had games in London again in 2023 and 2024, highlighting a growing interest in baseball overseas.
Manfred emphasized the importance of London as a gateway to Europe. He pointed out improvements to the stadium since the first London series, suggesting that MLB sees potential for growth in this market. The league also made efforts to explore baseball’s popularity in India, where cricket reigns supreme. “We’re starting from the ground up,” he said about their initiatives there.
Expanding into Mexico is also on MLB’s agenda. The league has held games in various Mexican cities and plans to continue that trend in 2026, likely with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres playing in Mexico City. Manfred mentioned that building relationships with local leagues is key to success, drawing parallels with Japan and Korea, where MLB has established strong ties.
Interestingly, the league’s international ventures resonate well, especially in Asia. The rise of star player Shohei Ohtani has boosted interest in MLB among Japanese fans, and the league has opened its season in Japan multiple times over the years, with plans to do so again in 2024.
As MLB looks to broaden its reach, it’s clear that the strategy involves navigating different markets carefully. Each country presents unique challenges and opportunities. This international focus could yield significant financial returns for the league, especially as streaming services increasingly seek content from well-developed markets.
For more on MLB’s global strategy, you can read the full report by Front Office Sports here.
