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MLB Attendance Rises 4.2% Despite Longer Games in 2026

4/14/2026

41 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system shapes MLB in 2026 by extending average nine-inning games to 2 hours 42 minutes due to ABS challenges.
In 2026, MLB attendance rose 4.2% to 6.98 million despite longer games.
Commissioner Rob Manfred notes he accepts the trade-off of longer games for improved accuracy.
The Cincinnati Reds lead in ABS challenge overturn rates.
Corbin Carroll and Jordan Walker are excelling early in the season.

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Story summary

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system shapes MLB in 2026 by extending average nine-inning games to 2 hours 42 minutes due to ABS challenges.
In 2026, MLB attendance rose 4.2% to 6.98 million despite longer games.
Commissioner Rob Manfred notes he accepts the trade-off of longer games for improved accuracy.
The Cincinnati Reds lead in ABS challenge overturn rates.
Corbin Carroll and Jordan Walker are excelling early in the season.