{
  "id": 10359417,
  "title": "The MLB Lockout Now Runs on Private Equity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/the-mlb-lockout-now-runs-on-private-equity",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T04:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mlb-lockout-now-runs-private-040100017.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The MLB lockout has transitioned into a scenario where private equity plays a significant role. In December 2022, Chris Koras, representing Rafael Devers, successfully negotiated a record $331 million deal between Devers and the Boston Red Sox. However, the landscape of labor disputes has changed due to ownership's development of a financial wall to neutralize superstar leverage during free agency. MLB teams now have a systemic financial advantage, making resolve only credible when owners can survive their own threats. The shift in ownership strategy and capital structure has created a scenario where a work stoppage is viewed as a routine discount rather than a reason to walk away. Ownership's financial architecture is more robust, with access to revolving institutional liquidity, making them a formidable opponent in the labor negotiations.",
  "summary": "Today’s guest columnist is Chris Koras, partner and head of sports at Working Capital Partners. In December 2022, I flew to the Dominican Republic to break a year-long contract stalemate. Our firm represented Rafael Devers. The Boston Red Sox had sent ownership and front-office executives to settle the negotiation directly with the player, hoping relationship …",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Sportico",
        "title": "The MLB Lockout Now Runs on Private Equity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/the-mlb-lockout-now-runs-on-private-equity-10359749",
        "published": "2026-09-28T04:01:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}