Baseball United: A New Frontier from the United Arab Emirates
- Games played in convertible stadium in Dubai to seat 6,500–37,000
- 4 Teams: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Karachi
- Season: Just 9 games per team
- Ownership: Major MLB names—Barry Larkin, Adrian Beltre, Robinson Cano, Robinson Chirinos, Elvis Andrus
Savannah Bananas–style rules:
- Inning-Ending Fireball:
- Designated Runner: 3x per game.
- No Extra Innings: Ties are resolved via Home Run Derby.
- Moneyball At-Bats: Up to 3 per game, doubling all runs scored
- Cricket dominates Gulf region
- Dubai’s population is 90% expatriates, could help broaden interest.
- Future presence in the World Baseball Classic?
Reflections of LIV for Baseball United Path
- Impact on PGA with LIV rival
- Controversy on poaching players
- Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million defamation judgmen
Looking Ahead
- Potential MLB affiliations with international winter leagues
- Minor leaguers finding opportunities in Dubai, Asia, and the KBO
- The Rays' roster churn, offseason moves, and Tropicana Field progress
- Insights into the WPBL (Women’s Professional Baseball League) draft
- MLB broadcast access concerns and comparisons to MLS/Apple TV https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-media-rights-deals-with-espn-nbc-netflix
- Thoughts on upcoming MLB–MLBPA CBA
- Navigating evolving baseball ecosystem across the globe
Baseball United & Global Pathways
- MLB teams could form informal player-development relationships with the league—similar to the Rays’ connection with the ABL’s Perth Heat.
- Discussion of how U.S. minor leaguers might embrace winter opportunities in Dubai for life experience and player growth.
- Rays Bob Seymour and Forrest Whitley released to pursue international contracts.
- Bob signs w/ Orix Buffaloes in Japan
- Japanese & Korean pitching forces hitters to evolve,
The Rays’ Offseason Overhaul
- Roughly 28 players have departed the organization already.
- Roster impact w/ Rule 5 Draft approaching.
- Brandon Lowe rumored to be on the market.
- Recent DFA decisions, Jake Fraley and Christopher Morel
- Construction activity on the Trop.
- Mat suggests Rays’ upper-deck $2 seating all season to boost atmosphere & attendance.
WPBL (Women’s Pro Baseball League) Preview
- Inaugural WPBL Draft takes place Thursday, November 20, 2025.
- Format: 6 rounds, 4 teams, 20 picks per round selecting 120 players
- Notable prospects include Kelsie Whitmore and Mo’ne Davis
- Early tryouts 600+ athletes evaluated at Nationals Park
- Fans can watch the draft on TikTok & YouTube
Broadcasting & CBA Looming
- Increasing number of subscriptions needed to watch a single MLB team—citing the Yankees as an extreme example.
- How many sources do I need to watch my team - Here is the source that Mat referenced - https://atmlb.com/4r9W14K
- MLS’s simple, blackout-free Apple TV deal & accessibility
- CBA on the horizon & importance of keeping fans connected
- New leagues, new media landscapes, global player movement, & expanded opportunities for women in the sport.
Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @ baseballbizondeck@gmail.com, iHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward
