Senator Cortese’s Bill to Secure Nationwide Collective Bargaining Agreement for Minor League Baseball Soars through Assembly Committee

The nation’s first collective bargaining agreement for minor league baseball took a significant step toward becoming reality for California’s 362 minor league players on Wednesday, when the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 332, authored by Senator Dave Cortese.  

“SB 332 represents a whole new ballgame for minor league baseball players. After months of negotiations between baseball teams and players, we have reached a historic agreement and a bipartisan bill that ensures good pay and benefits for minor league players,” said Senator Cortese (D-San Jose).

SB 332 guarantees that minor league baseball players across the country will see a significant increase in regular season salary and benefits, including compensation for Spring Training and the off-season. The legislation is needed to carry out the collective bargaining agreement approved by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on March 29, 2023, which established minor league baseball players as salaried employees.

SB 332 grants a narrow exemption from state labor law for California-based minor league players. Recognizing the unique nature of their work, it would not serve the best interest of players or teams to impose full compliance with all aspects of California wage-and-hour laws. 

“Now, play ball!” said Senator Cortese.

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