Thursday, October 1, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

New Bubble?

Athletics hit
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Major League Baseball has struggled with COVID-19 outbreaks among its teams, with 29 games postponed thus far. Watching the success of bubbles across sports, including those in the NHL and NBA, has led to ESPN sources suggesting an MLB playoff bubble could be in the works.

Reports suggest the league’s new 16-team postseason format would make the most sense in a hub city setting similar to the NHL’s. There’s more than $1 billion in broadcast revenue at stake for the playoffs.

“If we want to make sure we get through October, we really need to get this right,” a source told ESPN.

Bubble Updates

NWSL, MLS, PLL: No cases once the competition started and finished.

NBA: No positives within the Orlando bubble since July 13.

NHL: No positives since arriving in Toronto and Edmonton on July 26.

WNBA: No positives since arriving at the IMG Academy July 6.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Atlanta, GA - March 7, 2026 - Turner Studios: Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley during the 2026 NBA marketing campaign featuring Inside the NBA on ESPN.

Barkley Gets His Wish: More ‘Inside the NBA’ on ESPN This Season

Charles Barkley publicly complained about the show’s previous ESPN schedule.

Extending WNBA Playoffs Would Cost Owners Up to $1 Million

The No. 1–seeded Lynx exited the playoffs after just two games.

Environmentalists Call MLB Grand Teton Idea ‘Shortsighted’

The league received rare pushback about a potential special-event game.
Exclusive

WPBL CEO Fires Board Member After $600K Offer to Drop Case

The firing effectively ends Mina Kim’s case.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/1/26 – MLB Playoff Empty Seats, CFB Viewership Down 11%, Tomlin Unveils ‘Minecraft’ City

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
FIFA
December 11, 2024

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.