MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic there could be fans at the World Series and League Championship Series this fall. Manfred made those comments just before the formal announcement of a 16-team postseason bubble.
The first eight series of this year’s playoffs will be played at the home park of the better-seeded teams, while the remaining series will move to bubble sites in California and Texas. The World Series will be played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
MLB Roundup:
- Up to $1 billion in revenue from playoff broadcast deals.
- Fans could help bolster the playoff haul, as they make up approximately 40% of MLB’s overall revenue through ticket sales, concessions, parking and merchandise.
- The 16-team playoff format is likely to remain beyond 2020.
- Manfred is optimistic 2021 will include fans at a larger scale.
- The permanent status of temporary rule changes — like adding a designated hitter in the National League and extra-inning rules — is still up in the air.
