MLB Proposes 154-Game Season to Prioritize Postseason Value

Major League Baseball has submitted a proposal in collective bargaining negotiations that would reduce the regular season from 162 games to 154, according to MLB. The plan aims to trade quantity for value by reallocating inventory toward a best-of-seven Division Series and a more staggered postseason calendar.

As reported by MLB, the structural changes would include a new national television spotlight window and a weekly Monday off-day for most teams, intended to reduce player wear and tear and decrease roster churn. To offset the loss of eight regular-season games, the proposal includes four split doubleheaders per team—one against each divisional opponent. The league notes that the reduction in regular-season games would allow the season to end one week earlier, while a World Series Game 7 would conclude no later than two days after the current system's timeline.

Beyond the schedule, MLB is proposing "competitive theater" for the playoffs. Under the plan, the No. 3 seed in each league would pick either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed for the Wild Card round, and the No. 1 seed would be allowed to choose which Wild Card winner they face in the Division Series.

MLB indicates these changes would begin in 2029 in conjunction with new national media rights negotiations, though the entire package is contingent upon the implementation of a cap-and-floor system. The league argues that increased postseason inventory and the new Monday broadcast window should result in greater media rights deals, offsetting losses from the shortened regular season. This comes as MLB notes its revenue growth over the last 20 years has lagged behind other major North American sports.