MLB Cancels 2025 International Games in San Juan and Mexico City
Major League Baseball (MLB) will not hold regular-season games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico City next year. Commissioner Rob Manfred announced this decision during the owners’ meetings. The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will still play two games in Tokyo to start the 2025 season. These will be the only international games scheduled for next year.
Manfred explained that the economic arrangements for San Juan did not make sense despite efforts to organize them. He expressed hope to return to these locations in the future. He mentioned that MLB had a strong focus on Tokyo for good business reasons.
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire after the 2026 season. This agreement included plans for games in Tokyo, Mexico City, Paris, and San Juan for the upcoming seasons. However, MLB canceled the Paris games due to a lack of a promoter.
Earlier this year, the Dodgers and San Diego Padres played the first regular-season games in South Korea. The Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros played games in Mexico City in April, while the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies played in London. Between 2001 and 2018, MLB hosted 49 games in San Juan.
What are the economic challenges MLB faces when hosting international games?
Interview with Dr. Alejandro Ruiz, Sports Economics Specialist, on MLB’s 2024 International Game Plans
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ruiz. Major League Baseball recently announced that there will be no regular-season games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, nor in Mexico City for the upcoming 2024 season. What factors do you believe contributed to this decision?
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: Thank you for having me. The decision can be primarily attributed to economic viability concerns. Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that despite efforts, the financials for San Juan did not align favorably for MLB. Hosting international games requires substantial investment, and if the revenue forecasts do not make financial sense, it’s hard to proceed.
NewsDirectory3: Manfred also mentioned an ongoing focus on Tokyo. Why do you think that city is seen as a priority for MLB’s international strategy?
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: Tokyo presents a lucrative market. Baseball is immensely popular in Japan, and the fan base is highly engaged. The economic arrangements for Tokyo are likely more favorable, featuring better sponsorship opportunities and fan attendance rates. It’s a strategic move to align with locations that promise higher returns on investment.
NewsDirectory3: There have been plans in previous CBAs for multiple international games in cities like Mexico City and Paris. What might have led to the cancellation of the Paris games this time?
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: Lack of a reliable promoter in Paris plays a critical role. Success in hosting these international games often hinges on local partnerships that can execute marketing, logistics, and fan engagement strategies. Without a strong promoter, MLB can’t assure a successful event, leading to these cancellations.
NewsDirectory3: Looking ahead, the 2026 season appears promising with both the World Baseball Classic and planned games in multiple international cities. What does that mean for MLB’s long-term global strategy?
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: The upcoming season could signal a renewed commitment to expanding baseball’s global footprint. Hosting games during the World Baseball Classic allows MLB to leverage its international star power, potentially driving fan interest and attendance in those cities. If successful, it could bolster MLB’s reputation and financial prospects internationally in the long term.
NewsDirectory3: With recent international games in places like South Korea, Mexico City, and London, how do you assess MLB’s overall international outreach strategy?
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: MLB is on the right track by diversifying its international games, showcasing the league’s global reach. However, the challenge remains in crafting sustainable financial models in these markets. Each city poses its own challenges, and while MLB’s outreach is commendable, careful planning and assessment are crucial for future endeavors.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ruiz. It will be interesting to see how MLB adapts its strategies moving forward.
Dr. Alejandro Ruiz: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to seeing how MLB navigates these challenges and opportunities in the future.
In 2026, the CBA plans for games in Mexico City, London, and San Juan. That year will also feature the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament with 20 teams.
The 2025 MLB schedule was released in July.