Rob Manfred Re-Elected as MLB Commissioner for Third Term
Rob Manfred, a polarizing leader and an aggressive agent of change, has been re-elected as Major League Baseball’s commissioner for a third term. The deal extends his contract by four years, until Jan. 25, 2029, and puts him in charge of guiding the owners through another round of collective bargaining with major league players.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
The extension was voted on by baseball’s 30 control people, the lead owners from each team. Notably, this contract is for one fewer year than Manfred’s two previous contracts. His initial term, granted in August 2014, and his first extension, granted in November 2018, were both for five years. Manfred will be 70 when his new deal expires.
John Stanton, chairman and managing partner of the Mariners, was chosen to chair the meeting that approved the extension. “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,” Stanton said in a statement. “Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans’ desire for more action and better pace, continued the game’s spirit of innovation, expanded MLB’s role in youth baseball and softball, and beyond. The significant momentum that MLB has built reflects his ongoing initiatives that are advancing the game.”
Wednesday’s vote was no surprise, as a re-election vote likely would not have been held if the commissioner didn’t feel he had the necessary votes to win. Manfred’s rule changes for 2023, which included major on-field overhauls, have largely worked as intended by speeding up the game and increasing action.
However, Manfred has faced his fair share of controversy during his tenure. The Astros sign-stealing scandal, the culling of minor league teams, the potential move of the A’s to Las Vegas, and the lockout have all created turmoil. But despite fan complaints, the owners’ main concern is the bottom line. MLB drew an estimated $10.8 billion in 2022, compared to $9.5 billion in 2015, Manfred’s first season.
Looking ahead, Manfred faces challenges in navigating the ever-changing television and streaming landscape. The cable bundle model that propped up sports’ economics for decades is no longer reliable, and finding the best way to deliver baseball games to fans while maximizing revenue will be a difficult task. Manfred has expressed interest in creating an all-30 team streaming bundle for in-market customers, but large-market teams may not be willing unless they are adequately compensated.
Labor issues will also continue to be a concern, and further rule changes could be on the horizon. Manfred has been central in two bitter labor fights during his tenure, and he oversaw major changes to the minor leagues, trimming the number of teams directly affiliated by 40.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Manfred’s re-election reflects the owners’ confidence in his leadership. The meeting to approve the extension was held at the St. Regis hotel in Washington D.C., where Manfred and MLB owners were in town for an annual dinner with elected representatives.
The financial details of Manfred’s new contract have not been disclosed, but he was previously reported to be making around $25 million after bonuses. As he enters his third term, Manfred’s legacy will be shaped by his ability to navigate labor disputes, adapt to the changing media landscape, and continue to grow the sport of baseball.