MLB announces 2027 schedule with earliest Opening Day ever, but labor battle looms
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Major League Baseball plans to start the 2027 regular season earlier than ever, with Opening Night scheduled for March 24 and a full Opening Day slate on March 25, pending the outcome of ongoing labor negotiations.
- The All-Star Game is set for July 13 at Wrigley Field, and the regular season is scheduled to conclude on September 26, aiming to complete the postseason by October.
- The 2027 schedule is tentative due to the collective bargaining agreement expiring in December, with potential for a lockout, delayed season start, or revised schedule depending on negotiations, especially around the contentious salary cap issue.
- Netflix will televise the first regular-season game on Opening Night in 2027, continuing its role from the current season.
- MLB chose to move up Opening Day partly to accommodate fan interest in finishing the postseason earlier, but historical labor disputes could still disrupt the planned calendar.
