MLB Postpones 2026 London Games, Eyes Long-Term European Expansion
LONDON – Major League Baseball has called off plans to stage a regular-season series between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in London in 2026, citing scheduling issues, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced. While the 2026 games are off the table,Manfred reaffirmed MLB’s commitment to growing the sport’s international presence,notably in Europe,and highlighted ongoing initiatives in Asia and Mexico.
MLB previously held two regular-season games at London Stadium, home of west Ham United, in 2019 featuring the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees. The league had hoped to build on that foundation with a return in 2026, but logistical challenges proved insurmountable.
“We remain interested in Europe. we think London is an vital jumping off point for us,” Manfred said.”We have a facility that has come a long way as the first Yankee-Red Sox game. It’s a much better ballpark now than it was due to their willingness to make investments in that. We continue to believe that there’s an chance there and that we can get at the developed economies in Europe through that London entree.”
MLB’s international strategy extends beyond Europe. A planned series in Paris for 2025 was also scrapped due to difficulties securing a promoter. The league is actively pursuing grassroots development in India,leveraging the country’s existing passion for cricket,stating,”We’re really starting from the bottom up.”
Mexico remains a key focus, with regular-season games played in Monterrey in 1996, 1999, 2018 and 2019, and in Mexico City in 2023 and 2024.The arizona diamondbacks and San Diego Padres are scheduled to play in Mexico City on April 25 and 26 of next year. Manfred emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships with Mexican professional leagues, aiming for a model similar to those in Japan and Korea, where both the domestic league and MLB benefit from player development.
MLB has also seen increased success in Asia, particularly fueled by the global popularity of players like Shohei Ohtani. The league has opened regular seasons in Tokyo, japan (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2019, and this year) and Seoul, South Korea (2024).
Manfred explained that MLB’s international approach is tailored to each country’s stage of development, and that investments in Japan and Korea are beginning to yield returns, not only in international revenue but also in potential national media deals. “My prediction is there will be some of the more media companies – the streamers - will be really interested in the ability to get access to well-developed economies where they don’t have as much penetration as they do in countries like the United States and Canada,” he said.
