Baseball United & WPBL: New Leagues on Horizon

Baseball United: A New Frontier from the United Arab EmiratesGames played in convertible stadium in Dubai to seat 6,500–37,0004 Teams: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, KarachiSeason: Just 9 games per team Ownership: Major MLB names—Barry Larkin, Adrian Beltre, Robinson Cano, Robinson Chirinos, Elvis AndrusSavannah 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 scoredCricket dominates Gulf regionDubai’s population is 90% expatriates, could help broaden interest.Future presence in the World Baseball Classic?Reflections of LIV for Baseball United PathImpact on PGA with LIV rivalControversy on poaching players Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million defamation judgmenLooking AheadPotential MLB affiliations with international winter leaguesMinor leaguers finding opportunities in Dubai, Asia, and the KBOThe Rays' roster churn, offseason moves, and Tropicana Field progressInsights into the WPBL (Women’s Professional Baseball League) draftMLB broadcast access concerns and comparisons to MLS/Apple TV https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-media-rights-deals-with-espn-nbc-netflixThoughts on upcoming MLB–MLBPA CBANavigating evolving baseball ecosystem across the globeBaseball United & Global PathwaysMLB 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 JapanJapanese & Korean pitching forces hitters to evolve,The Rays’ Offseason OverhaulRoughly 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) PreviewInaugural WPBL Draft takes place Thursday, November 20, 2025.Format: 6 rounds, 4 teams, 20 picks per round selecting 120 playersNotable prospects include Kelsie Whitmore and Mo’ne DavisEarly tryouts 600+ athletes evaluated at Nationals ParkFans can watch the draft on TikTok & YouTubeBroadcasting & CBA LoomingIncreasing 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/4r9W14KMLS’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 @  [email protected], iHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward