Bryce Harper begs for Olympic participation as MLB, MLBPA squabble over 2028 Games

The possibility of Major League Baseball players competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains uncertain, but Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper made it clear he hopes an agreement is reached.

Harper, who has long advocated for MLB players participating in the Olympics, expressed his desire to represent the United States as negotiations continue between MLB, the MLB Players Association and LA28 organizers. The discussions have reportedly stalled over issues including hotel accommodations, ticket allotments, commercial rights and a proposed mandatory-participation agreement.

“It’s such a great opportunity for all athletes to come together in all different walks of life, all different cultures. I love it,” Harper said, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. “I think it’d be great. I hope it works out. I grew up watching the Summer Olympics. I was in one of the greatest eras of Olympics of all time. Michael Phelps — are you kidding me? There was nothing like it. Our women’s team swim team was incredible. Gymnastics floor. It’s everything. You got it all.”

According to ESPN, MLB owners have largely supported allowing big leaguers to compete in the Olympics for the first time. However, disagreements with the MLBPA have complicated those plans. Among the unresolved issues are insurance, NIL rights, family accommodations and a league proposal that would require selected players to participate or risk being placed on the restricted list without pay or service time. The players’ union has opposed that provision and has not submitted a counterproposal regarding participation.

Interest in Olympic baseball has grown following the success of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with the U.S, the Dominican Republic and defending WBC champion Venezuela already qualified for the six-team tournament scheduled for Dodger Stadium. MLB has proposed pausing its season for 11 days around the All-Star break to accommodate the event.

For Harper, the opportunity extends beyond competition.

“If I have an opportunity to put the American flag and USA on my chest again at the level of the Olympics, it would mean everything to me,” he said. “I’ve wanted it for a long time, and I would love to be there. You’re trying to grow this game internationally, and I don’t think there’s a better place to do that than the Olympics.”

Baseball was removed from the Summer Olympics for 2012 and 2016, returning for the Tokyo Games in 2021. It was not played at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The post Bryce Harper begs for Olympic participation as MLB, MLBPA squabble over 2028 Games appeared first on ClutchPoints.