Latest developments on plans for play for MLB, NBA
MLB proposes 60-game regular season.
PHOENIX – MLB and the players union are making headway toward an agreement to play the 2020 season, with the players receiving their full prorated salaries, but the two sides continue to argue about the length of the season, two highranking executives with direct knowledge of the talks said. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. While MLB and the players were optimistic early Wednesday that a deal was close to being finalized – with a 60-game regular season that would begin July 19 – the mood soured by nightfall with the union seeking a longer schedule. The MLBPA disputed any deal in principal was ever reached and tweeted, “Reports of an agreement are false.” The renewed optimism was triggered when Commissioner Rob Manfred flew to Phoenix on Tuesday to have a one-onone meeting with union executive director Tony Clark. The meeting ended with each believing they found the structure to a deal. Clark promised he would present the deal to the players, and Manfred to the owners, with each side having to formally approve any deal. “We left that meeting with a jointly developed framework that we agreed could form the basis of an agreement and subject to conversations with our respective constituents,” Manfred said in a statement. “I summarized that framework numerous times in the meeting and sent Tony a written summary today. Consistent with our conversations (Tuesday), I am encouraging the Clubs to move forward and I trust Tony is doing the same.” While team owners appear to be in favor of the 60-game season, paying full prorated salaries, several players and agents say the union is insisting the season be longer. The union requested an 89-game season in their last proposal. If the season begins July 19, there would be 71 days on the calendar until Sept. 27. MLB has been adamant about wanting to conclude the World Series by the end of October. The league fears a second wave of COVID-19 could prematurely end the season, costing them about $900 million in TV revenue. In addition, the league says its national TV partners don’t want postseason games played in November. The two sides are expected to re-engage in serious discussions Thursday. The union would like to play close to 70 games, which would be worth an extra $250 million. This was the first time owners agreed to pay full prorated salaries, a stance the union never wavered from. In return, the players consented to an expanded postseason the next two years, from 10 to 16 teams, and agree not to file a grievance. MLB also agreed to implement a universal DH not only for 2020 but 2021. The union would also receive $25 million in a postseason pool and forgive $33 million of their original $170 million in upfront money that expired May 24. The union will receive about $1.51 billion of their full salaries if there’s a 60-game season. It’s equivalent to the 83% of their prorated salary they would have received in MLB’s last proposal if the World Series is completed, but $300 million more in guaranteed salaries.