What Happened to Minor League Baseball?

Minor League Baseball, historically an independent entity known as the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL) since 1901, experienced its most profound transformation in the 21st century beginning in 2020. This shift was primarily driven by Major League Baseball's (MLB) decision to take direct control over its affiliated minor league system. The long-standing Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) expired in September 2020, leading to a new structure where MiLB became a division of MLB, rather than a separate organization.

The initial phase of this reorganization was marked by the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision that left thousands of players without jobs. Following this, MLB announced a drastic reduction in the number of affiliated teams, cutting 43 teams from the previous structure and establishing the Professional Development League (PDL) in 2021, which included 120 clubs directly licensed by MLB teams. This move aimed to streamline player development, improve facilities, and increase player compensation, though it also led to the loss of affiliated baseball in many communities, with some former affiliated leagues, like the Appalachian League, transitioning to collegiate summer leagues.

A key turning point for minor league players came in 2022 with the successful unionization effort. Backed by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), minor league players formally unionized in September 2022, a 'historic achievement' that followed a $185 million settlement from MLB in a lawsuit alleging players were paid below minimum wage. This rapid unionization led to the negotiation of the first-ever Minor League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ratified with 99% player approval in March 2023. The CBA, covering the 2023-2027 seasons, significantly improved player conditions, including substantial salary increases, year-round pay, guaranteed housing, and other benefits. For example, 2026 weekly salaries range from $710 to $1,250, a dramatic increase of $400-$700 per week compared to 2019.

As of August 2026, Minor League Baseball continues to evolve under MLB's direct governance. The 2026 season has seen the implementation of several experimental rule changes across different levels, designed to improve pace of play and increase action. These include moving second base closer to home plate in the International League, a reduced disengagement limit for pitchers in Double-A, restrictions on batter timeouts in Single-A and High-A, and a 'Check Swing Challenge' system using bat-tracking technology in the Pacific Coast League and Florida State League. Attendance figures for 2026 show a mixed picture; while overall attendance is slightly down compared to 2025, some individual teams are experiencing significant increases, and the average attendance per game in early June was up slightly from the previous year. Private equity firms have also increased their involvement in MiLB team ownership, with some groups owning a significant percentage of teams.