Is MLB Coming Back to London?

By Anna Duncan

Rumors are swirling that Major League Baseball (MLB) may be making a return to London. The league has shown an increasing interest in the UK market, with the success of the 2019 and 2021 London Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. With two successful events already under their belt, it’s no surprise that many fans are eager for a third.

MLB’s Interest in London

MLB has been exploring ways to expand its global footprint, and London has become an attractive market. The league’s commissioner, Rob Manfred, has expressed his desire to grow baseball’s popularity outside of the US. In a statement given after the 2019 London Series, Manfred said: “We’re really excited about what we’ve seen so far and we’re very optimistic about baseball’s future in this part of the world.”

The Success of Previous London Series

The two previous London Series have been hugely successful. In 2019, over 120,000 fans attended the two games at London Stadium. The following year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only one game was played but still attracted a sell-out crowd of 58,000 fans.

The Impact on Local Businesses

The success of these events isn’t just limited to MLB. Local businesses have also benefited greatly from increased tourism and revenue generated by fans attending games. The Westfield shopping center reported an increase in foot traffic during both years’ events.

Potential Challenges

While another London Series would undoubtedly be exciting for MLB fans in the UK, there are some potential challenges that need to be addressed. One issue is scheduling conflicts with other sporting events held at London Stadium during the summer months.

Another challenge is whether there will be enough interest from British baseball fans to sustain a third event. While there is a growing fanbase in the UK, baseball is still a relatively niche sport. However, the success of the previous London Series suggests that there is a strong appetite for MLB in London.

Conclusion

Despite these potential challenges, it seems likely that MLB will return to London for a third time. The league has shown a commitment to growing its presence in the UK, and with two successful events already under their belt, it’s clear that there is an appetite for more. If you’re a baseball fan living in the UK, keep an eye out for news about future London Series events – you won’t want to miss them!