MLB aiming to hold regular-season games in London by 2017
The MLB is looking into holding regular-season games in London by 2017, commissioner Rob Manfred said in an interview with the Associated Press on Monday.
“We are very interested in playing there, and we’re working hard on that one,” Manfred said. “I don’t think it will be an opener because of the weather issues. It would be later in the season.”
The league has reportedly been interested in playing games at the new Olympic Stadium.
Manfred said the league hasn’t yet decided which teams would play in London, and added that he didn’t want to speculate whether it would be high-profile teams like the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees.
“Obviously, we want to make as good a first impression in Europe as we possibly can,” Manfred said.
The league has taken initiative in attempting to reach a more global audience. Earlier this month, it was announced that games would be live streamed in China. In addition, the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros will play two spring training games in Mexico City on March 26 and 27.
MLB has hosted games in Japan, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Australia in recent years.
