The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays open the World Series Friday, with baseball’s next labor dispute looming behind the championship. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1. The Associated Press reports that owners are pressing for a salary cap and could lock out players after the agreement ends; a prolonged stoppage could put 2027 games at risk, but no games have been canceled. The players’ union has said it will not accept a cap, arguing that it would constrain player compensation and rights. The sides have continued bargaining, including a union proposal on the amateur draft earlier this month. The Brewers and Rays are both among the league’s lower-payroll clubs, adding an unusual backdrop to a dispute about competitive balance and how baseball revenue is shared. Sources: Associated Press (Oct. 22): apnews.com source ↗ ; MLB Players Association, Oct. 14 bargaining statement: mlbplayers.com source ↗ ; Reuters (Oct. 16): my957.com source ↗ ; MLB, current collective bargaining agreement overview: mlb.com source ↗