Major League clubs have voted to extend Commissioner Rob Manfred’s tenure through Jan. 25, 2029, MLB announced Wednesday.
Manfred, who assumed the Commissioner position in January 2015, will remain in the role for the next five full seasons. The extension comes in the midst of a 2023 season in which the league has seen a surge in attendance, national television viewership, and social media engagements after a series of revolutionary rule changes that improved the pace of action.
“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,” John Stanton, chairman and managing partner of the Mariners and the elected presiding officer of the Commissioner re-election process, said in a news release. “Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans’ desire for more action and better pace, continued the game’s spirit of innovation, and 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.”
Manfred a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School, Manfred joined MLB full-time in 1998 as an executive vice president, overseeing labor relations, economics, and league affairs. He was MLB’s chief operating officer prior to succeeding Bud Selig as Commissioner.
“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 the release. “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.”
Manfred’s Commissionership has been rooted in the concept of growing the game’s reach locally and globally, with an emphasis on youth participation, an increase of action on the field, and bringing MLB games to places they had not been before.