MLB has proposed a reduction in the regular season schedule to 154 games starting in 2029, as part of its efforts to introduce a salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current CBA expires on December 1, following the World Series.
This proposal comes after years of unsuccessful attempts to implement a salary cap, which is currently absent in MLB compared to other major American sports leagues. The league argues that a shorter season would benefit player health and enhance fan engagement by creating a new national broadcast window, particularly on Mondays.
This could potentially attract streaming services looking to boost subscriber numbers. Additionally, MLB plans to extend the divisional playoff round from five to seven games and allow higher-seeded teams to select their opponents in the playoffs.
However, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has expressed strong opposition to the salary cap, stating that it undermines player rights and compensation. They have indicated they will review the proposed changes and respond during negotiations