The 2020 London MLB Series will feature a two-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs on June 13-14, 2020.
The announcement, which came ahead of the inaugural Mitel & MLB London Series being held this June 29-30, was made by Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and the Mayor of London.
The first series will be played between the Boston Red Sox and The New York Yankees and will be played at West Ham United’s London Stadium.
Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts commented on the news: “It is an honor to participate in the MLB London Series and we are happy to support Major League Baseball’s effort to promote America’s pastime on an international stage. The rivalry between the Cubs and Cards is one of the best in sports and will be a great match-up for international baseball fans to experience in London.”
The Cubs, a charter member of the National League since 1876, and the Cardinals, who date back to 1892, comprise one of the most engaging rivalries in Major League Baseball. The Cardinals’ 11 World Series Championships are the most among all National League franchises and the second most ever in MLB, while the Cubs’ 2016 Fall Classic victory ranks as one of the most memorable titles in sports history.
William DeWitt Jr., Cardinals Chairman and CEO stated: “The Cardinals are excited and honored to be a part of the London series next year. The Cardinals-Cubs rivalry is one of the best in sports, and it will be exciting to bring it to Europe for a new audience to experience. I have no doubt that the passionate sports fans in London will love these games and we look forward to creating some new Cardinals fans overseas.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London also spoke with excitement about bringing the rivalry to London: “With the historic rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees set to play out here in London this summer, it’s great news that MLB fans in the capital will have another London Series between the Cardinals and the Cubs to look forward to next year at the London Stadium. This is the world’s greatest sporting city and this is yet more evidence that London is open to hosting the biggest and best sports teams from around the world.”
Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer of London Stadium emphasised: “We’re so excited to be hosting the Cardinals and Cubs at London Stadium next June. Their sporting rivalry is world-renowned and the games will provide a great follow-up to this summer’s clash between the Red Sox and Yankees.
“London Series ‘19 will be one of the biggest sporting events this summer, a natural fit for London Stadium’s track record of bringing global events to London. We look forward to working with MLB to cement the venue as the home of baseball in Europe.”
The 2020 games are a fulfilment of the two-year agreement MLB signed with the City of London in 2018. In addition to the games, MLB will host events surrounding the series all over London, including youth initiatives and fan festivities.
