Rob Manfred Clarifies MLB’s Relationship with LA28’s Casey Wasserman
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Major League Baseball (MLB) is nearing an agreement that would allow its players to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games, despite ongoing controversies surrounding LA28 chief Casey Wasserman. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized at the MLB owners’ meetings that the league’s negotiations are focused on the Olympics as an institution, rather than on Wasserman himself.
“Our dealings are not with Casey,” Manfred stated on Thursday. “Our dealings are with the institution of the Olympics.”
This comment comes as Wasserman faces escalating scrutiny due to his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. On Wednesday, the LA28 board’s executive committee expressed support for Wasserman, even as artists and civic leaders called for his resignation.
The controversy intensified with the release of emails linking Wasserman to Epstein and Maxwell. According to the board’s statement, a law firm was engaged to investigate his past conduct. The review reportedly revealed only a "single interaction with Epstein" during a humanitarian mission and some questionable emails with Maxwell from two decades ago, well before their respective crimes became public knowledge.
Wasserman has expressed regret related to his associations, stating that the emails were exchanged "long before her horrific crimes came to light."
Manfred refrained from commenting on whether Wasserman’s situation could negatively impact baseball. “I’m going to pass on that one,” he replied. “People much closer to that situation are better to opine on that.”
While MLB has participated in the Olympics before, the involvement of major league players would be a first. Historically, the league opted not to disrupt its season for the Olympics, sending minor leaguers and college players instead. However, Wasserman has proposed that involving major leaguers would significantly enhance baseball’s international appeal, especially given the Olympics’ return to U.S. soil.
“What an incredible opportunity to elevate the sport in a city where you have one of the great cathedrals of the sport,” Wasserman remarked previously. “There is no better chance to tell the global story of baseball than from the Olympics in Los Angeles.”
As MLB continues to finalize plans, the prospect of a baseball tournament at Dodger Stadium remains a key part of their discussions for the 2028 Games. Commissioner Manfred noted the unique marketing opportunity associated with hosting the Olympics and expressed optimism regarding player participation.
“I think people have come to appreciate that the Olympics on U.S. soil is a unique marketing opportunity for the game,” he stated. “We’ve got a lot of players interested in doing it, and I feel pretty good about the idea we’ll get there.”
