‘Significant Momentum’: MLB Extends Manfred As Commissioner To January 2029

By Barry Janoff

Photo: MLBJuly 26, 2023: MLB said today that a majority of club owners have voted to extend commissioner Rob Manfred’s tenure through Jan. 25, 2029.

Manfred has been commissioner since January 2015, replacing Bud Selig.

Financial terms and what percentage of the 30 votes Manfred received were not released.

“At a critical moment in the history of our game, commissioner Manfred has listened to our fans and worked closely with our players to improve America’s pastime,” John Stanton, chairman and managing partner of the Seattle Mariners and the elected presiding officer of the commissioner re-election process, said via MLB.

“Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans’ desire for more action and better pace, continued the game’s spirit of innovation, and expanded MLB’s role in youth baseball and softball and beyond.”

According to Stanton, “The significant momentum that MLB has built reflects his ongoing initiatives that are advancing the game.”

Manfred joined MLB full-time in 1998 as an executive vice president, overseeing labor relations, economics and league affairs. He was MLB’s COO prior to succeeding Selig.

By comparison, Gary Bettman has been NHL commissioner since 1993, Don Garber commissioner of MLS since 1999, Roger Goodell has been NFL commissioner since 2006 and Adam Silver NBA commissioner since 2014.

MLB topped a record $10.8 billion in revenue in 2022, according to industry analysts.

Concurrently, in 2021-22 there was a 99-day lockout due to a labor dispute with the MLB Players’ Assn., which pushed Opening Day back to April 7.

MLB has seen major changes during Manfred’s tenure, including an expansion of the game worldwide with games being played in London, Mexico and in 2024 South Korea and Dominican Republic.

MLB under Manfred has also brought the game to unique locations within the U.S., including the Field of Dreams Game in Dyersville, Iowa; the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa.; MLB in Omaha at the College World Series site; the Fort Bragg Game in North Carolina; and next year’s Negro Leagues tribute game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala.

Lou Gehrig Day premiered in 2021. The National League began using the Designated Hitter in 2022.

This season saw the launch of MLB Together, a platform “emphasizing baseball’s efforts to make important societal contributions through the power of partnership and community.”

This season, MLB also re-invented itself with such rules as the pitcher and hitter clock, larger bases and limiting defensive shifts.

MiLB has also seen dramatic changes under the auspices of the commissioner, when the contract between MiLB and MLB expired in October 2020.

That included a reduction in the number of teams, geographical realignment, elimination of the MILB headquarters in St. Petersburg Fla., and incorporating the MLB Draft as part of All-Star Week events.

This past March, after MiLB players joined the MLBPA, MiLB players ratified the firs CBA in MiLB history, increasing player salaries and other benefits.

“It is an honor to serve the best game in the world and to continue the pursuit of strengthening our sport on and off the field,” Manfred said via MLB.

“This season, our players are displaying the most vibrant version of our game, and sports fans are responding in a manner that is great for Major League Baseball’s future. Together, all of us in the game will work toward presenting our sport at its finest and broadening its reach and impact for our loyal fans.”

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