Today is Opening Day of the 2026 MLB season. The season kicks off with a coast-to-coast showdown (on Netflix!) between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it’s the off-the-diamond news that’s making the biggest waves. Beyond a streaming service partnership, baseball's also now in business with Polymarket, and facing labor strife that could lead to an offseason lockout going into 2027. So, yeah, there's a lot to talk about. 

In this special episode of The Deal, Alex breaks it all down for Jason, reflecting on his own participation in the 1995 MLB lockout and responds to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred saying off-season lockouts “should be the new norm.” He also explains what he sees as the MLBPA’s non-negotiables, his thoughts on the MLB having a salary cap and why now is the best time to invest in baseball. Finally, Alex shares the baseball storylines he is most looking forward to and his prediction of who will be facing off to win it all in October.

Today is Opening Day of the 2026 MLB season. The season kicks off with a coast-to-coast showdown (on Netflix!) between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it&rsquo;s the off-the-diamond news that&rsquo;s making the biggest waves. Beyond a streaming service partnership, baseball's also now in business with Polymarket, and facing labor strife that could lead to an offseason lockout going into 2027. So, yeah, there's a lot to talk about.&nbsp;
In this special episode of The Deal, Alex breaks it all down for Jason, reflecting on his own participation in the 1995 MLB lockout and responds to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred saying off-season lockouts &ldquo;should be the new norm.&rdquo; He also explains what he sees as the MLBPA&rsquo;s non-negotiables, his thoughts on the MLB having a salary cap and why now is the best time to invest in baseball. Finally, Alex shares the baseball storylines he is most looking forward to and his prediction of who will be facing off to win it all in October.

When sports, business and culture collide, there’s often a deal to be made. Join Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly as they get the inside track from corporate titans, sports champions and game-changing entrepreneurs on investing, strategy, reinvention and the ones that got away. The Deal is a Bloomberg Podcasts and Bloomberg Originals series that’s passionate, relaxed, insightful and inspirational. If you think you know these icons, prepare to be surprised.

Hosts:

Alex Rodriguez is chairman and chief executive of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs startups and partners with global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment. While best known as a fourteen-time All-Star and World Series champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez is now an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx sports teams and an on-air analyst for Major League Baseball.

Jason Kelly is the chief correspondent of Bloomberg Originals. During his two decades at Bloomberg, Kelly has served as executive editor of Bloomberg Television, hosted Bloomberg Businessweek on television and radio, and also hosted Power Players and Next in Sports series. He’s also the author of two books, The New Tycoons, about the global private equity industry, and Sweat Equity, an inside look at the business of fitness.

When sports, business and culture collide, there’s often a deal to be made. Join Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly as they get the inside track from corporate titans, sports champions and game-changing entrepreneurs on investing, strategy, reinvention and the ones that got away. The Deal is a Bloomberg Podcasts and Bloomberg Originals series that’s passionate, relaxed, insightful and inspirational. If you think you know these icons, prepare to be surprised.
Hosts:
Alex Rodriguez is chairman and chief executive of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs startups and partners with global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment. While best known as a fourteen-time All-Star and World Series champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez is now an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx sports teams and an on-air analyst for Major League Baseball.
Jason Kelly is the chief correspondent of Bloomberg Originals. During his two decades at Bloomberg, Kelly has served as executive editor of Bloomberg Television, hosted Bloomberg Businessweek on television and radio, and also hosted Power Players and Next in Sports series. He’s also the author of two books, The New Tycoons, about the global private equity industry, and Sweat Equity, an inside look at the business of fitness.

The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly

MLB Opening Day Preview with Alex Rodriguez

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6a795064-e956-49ee-989b-b41801316866/transcript