MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced a long-term strategic partnership that includes a commitment to hold events in the city over the next five years, including regular season games in 2023, 2024 and 2026.
The formation of the MLB London Legacy Group was also announced, which will include members from the Greater London Authority, Baseball Softball UK and other key stakeholders in the UK.
The group will be focused on delivering a wide-reaching and long-term legacy program that maximizes the impact of hosting MLB regular season games in London. “Today is an historic day for London and baseball,” Khan said.
“I want to continue attracting world-class sport to our city as part of my mission to make London the sporting capital of the world. This long-term partnership with Major League Baseball is ambitious and includes regular season games as well as a legacy program designed to grow the number of Londoners watching and playing baseball at a grassroots level in London.
“These games will be a fantastic opportunity to once again showcase the London Stadium as a multi-use venue and a fantastic asset for the capital.”
London previously hosted baseball games in June 2019, when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox met in the inaugural MLB London Series. The two-game series at London Stadium were the first regular season games played in Europe.
To enhance these games, MLB Europe will continue to conduct new fan engagement events, expanded UK-focused content, baseball participation programs, and other city specific media arrangements to help continue the growth of baseball’s popularity across London.
“All aspects of the inaugural MLB games in London were an overwhelming success,” Manfred said. “It was clear that sports fans in London had a great appetite for baseball and that passion was shared by Mayor Khan as well as the business and media community.
“We are confident in making a long-term commitment to London and are looking forward to returning to the city with more MLB games, special fan events, and other opportunities to play and watch the game.”
Adrian Gonzalez representing Dodgers in London
Earlier this year, MLB announced the creation of Home Run Derby X (HRDX), an electrifying new baseball format which will take place in London’s Crystal Palace Park on July 9, 2022.
The event will feature four teams represented by a former player, superstar, rookie and wild card. Fresh into officially retiring and beginning a broadcasting career, Adrian Gonzalez is representing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
