Thursday, April 16, 2026

October Fans

Atlanta Braves
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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