Major League Baseball (MLB) is undergoing significant changes that are reshaping the trajectory of the sport. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, along with former MLB players CC Sabathia and Albert Pujols, discussed these changes at an event hosted by CNBC x Boardroom’s Game Plan sports business. They highlighted the importance of amplifying the talents of players and attracting a larger audience.
One of the key areas of focus for MLB is becoming a more national sport. Traditionally, the league has had a regional approach, including with its broadcasting rights. However, Manfred believes that to grow the sport, a stronger emphasis on reaching a national audience is necessary. With 2,430 games in a season, there is ample content to engage fans across the country. While there will still be a local component, the strategy needs to have a more national reach.
The recent bankruptcy restructuring of Diamond Sports, the largest owner of regional sports networks in the country, has also impacted MLB. Some teams have already severed ties with regional networks and turned to MLB itself to produce and air their games. This shift allows the league to have more control over its content and ensure a consistent viewing experience for fans.
Star power is another area of focus for MLB. The panelists expressed excitement about the talent in the game but emphasized the need to create and market star starting pitchers. While players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto have captured attention, the panelists believe that star pitchers are equally important for the sport’s popularity. To address the issue of diminishing pitcher involvement, MLB has already made rule changes to encourage pitchers to stay in the game longer. There are even discussions about implementing a minimum inning requirement for starting pitchers.
MLB has implemented various rule changes in recent years to enhance the game. In 2023, the league introduced limits on pickoffs, larger bases, and a reduction in defensive shifts. These changes have resulted in a surge in stolen bases and have created more opportunities for batted balls to become hits or for players to make athletic plays.
Diversifying the audience is another critical aspect for MLB. The league made history by officially recognizing statistics from the Negro Leagues earlier this year. This acknowledgment is part of MLB’s broader efforts to attract a wider demographic of both players and fans. By doing more work in underserved communities, MLB aims to create a more inclusive and diverse fan base.
In conclusion, MLB is undergoing significant changes aimed at expanding its reach and enhancing the game. With a focus on becoming a more national sport, the league is looking to engage a broader audience. Additionally, efforts to create and market star starting pitchers, along with rule changes to increase pitcher involvement, are underway. MLB is also working on diversifying its audience by recognizing the contributions of the Negro Leagues and reaching out to underserved communities. These changes reflect MLB’s commitment to evolving with the times and ensuring the sport remains exciting and relevant.
 that are reshaping the sport's trajectory. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, alongside former players CC Sabathia and Albert Pujols, discuss the importance of amplifying player talents and attracting a larger audience. Learn about MLB's focus on becoming a more national sport, the impact of the recent bankruptcy restructuring of Diamond Sports, the emphasis on star power and pitcher involvement, rule changes to enhance the game, and efforts to diversify the audience. Stay up-to-date with MLB's commitment to evolving and remaining exciting and relevant.){kind=link}