MLB

The 2020 season is expected to begin on July 23 or 24.

Minor league teams are mostly small, independently owned businesses.

Vincent Viola and business partner Mike Repole co-own thoroughbred horses -- Viola owned the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming -- but this would be their biggest joint venture by far.

MLB's control owners approved going unilaterally with the 60-game schedule if the final arrangements can be put in place.

Commissioner Manfred has the authority to mandate a season of 50 to 60 games with prorated pay for players.

A vote set for Sunday did not take place

As the calendar marches toward July, and virtually every other North American team sport navigates toward agreed-upon comebacks, baseball has little time to reach a settlement at all.

The union proposal would have $1.73 billion in salaries, plus a $50 million postseason pool.

Todd McFarlane, a well-known comic book artist, bought the 70th home run ball at an auction for about $3 million right after the 1998 season.

The proposal includes full prorated pay for players based on their 2020 seasons and an expanded postseason for both 2020 and 2021.

“I’m not confident. I think there’s real risk," MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred said.