When the MLB Players Association and the owners were negotiating the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2022-26 period, they made it a priority to expand the game of baseball to other latitudes.
The parties think there is a big market to exploit abroad, and they are right: there are lots of baseball fans who would jump at the chance of going to an MLB game.
That’s why the league announced a new partnership this week.
“MLB announced a long-term partnership with the city of London & will play regular season games there in 2023, 2024, and 2026,” FOX Sports MLB tweeted.
MLB announced a long-term partnership with the city of London & will play regular season games there in 2023, 2024, and 2026 ⚾️🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/qbqdq9c6xZ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 10, 2022
It’s certainly a welcomed development for fans around the area, and probably the ones who are nearby and will travel to the United Kingdom to enjoy the games.
MLB Has Had Success In London Before
So far, MLB and London have some successful past ventures.
The first trip MLB organized to London came in 2019, when the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees played in the London Series.
Two games were played, and each one drew close to 60,000 fans.
The Yanks won both games, and 50 runs were scored between the two contests.
Fans definitely had a good time then.
MLB will be going to London this year, too, just not for a regular game: the Home Run Derby X will take place at London’s Crystal Palace Park on July 9, 2022.
According to the league’s official site, “the competition will feature four historic franchises: the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs. Each team will include a former player (Legend), a softball or women’s baseball star (Superstar), a player from that region’s local development system (Rookie), and an influential content creator (Wild Card).”
MLB, therefore, continues to expand its brand around the world.
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