MLB Commissioner Promises $100 Million To Players Alliance To Help With Diversity And Inclusion

The commissioner of the MLB is promising to donate $100 million to the Players Alliance to create diversity initiatives and bring more people of color into the sport.

Right before the Home Run Derby on Monday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he would be committing $100 million to the Players Alliance to bring in more people of color to the sport, CBS Sports reports.

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to expand our commitment to the Players Alliance, which will include joint efforts to strengthen our sport’s engagement with Black communities,” Manfred said in a statement. Manfred’s commitment could be raised to $150 million.

“We believe in the mission of the Players Alliance and have been inspired by the passion and perspectives of the players who are leading this effort. We know that our sport is at its best when it is accessible to everyone. Together, we will make this a reality with innovative and collaborative programs.”

In a statement, Players Alliance president Curtis Granderson said this a major step for diversity and inclusion within the sport.” Major League Baseball’s commitment to support the Players Alliance is a monumental turning point in the history of our game, establishing a pathway to progress for equity and access for the Black community.”

“On behalf of our player members and allies, we’d like to thank Commissioner Manfred and all MLB Club owners for their unwavering support of our efforts to grow and diversify our sport, from the field to the front office, for generations to come,” he continued.

The news outlet reports that the millions will go toward funding a “variety of programs built around participation in baseball, mentorship and professional baseball employee development.”