The sides are no currently further than the first inning of what is likely to be a lengthy battle. Michael M. Santiago / Getty ImagesJune 9, 2026 6:30 am EDT Updated Fans don’t have a seat at the table in Major League Baseball’s labor negotiations. Still, fan sentiment has been frequently cited in recent weeks as the league and the players’ union have begun talks ahead of the Dec. 1 expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.MLB commissioner Rob Manfred cited fan concerns about competitive balance as the league put forth a proposal for a salary cap. League spokesperson Glen Caplin said, “Too many fans in too many markets have too little hope their team has a fair chance to win.” Bruce Meyer, interim head of the MLBPA, pointed out that when teams decide not to spend, they grow the sport’s payroll disparity. “Caps don’t lower ticket prices for fans, eliminate tanking or ensure teams are run with equal competence,” he said. “They suffocate competition by offering owners an all-purpose excuse for inaction and mediocrity.”The sides are no further than the first inning of what is likely to be a lengthy battle. Throughout the negotiations, we’ll poll readers — as we did this spring — to assess how baseball fans are feeling about the current topics and proposals on the table and in the news.