A new professional league will begin play in the Fall of 2025, Baseball United. This is a league, for the first time ever that I am aware of, in the Middle East. The league is slated to play with 5 teams starting in October 2025. Teams will represent Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
Founded back in 2022 as the United International Baseball League, it was rebranded as Baseball United in 2024. The 12-game schedule will last from October 23 to November 23. And they have created a lot of buzz with different former MLBers either being part of ownership groups or managing.
Let’s take a look at each franchise and the stars they have attracted to the league.
Mumbai Cobras
The entry representing India comes out of Mumbai. They have talked to former Cincinnati Reds stars to be apart of the team. Barry Larkin will be the honorary General Manager, and Chris Sabo will manage the team.
They do have some former MLB talent on the team, as each team does. Robbie Ray Jr. will pitch for the Cobras alongside Akeel Morris and Akeem Bostick. Andrelton Simmons will hold down the infield at shortstop alongside Brandon Laird. In the outfield Jacob Robson and Justin Williams have MLB experience. There are a few more former MLBers along with players that have played down to independent leagues.
Arabia Wolves
This is one of 2 teams from the UAE and they will play out of Dubai. Their honorary General Manager will be Felix Hernandez with John McLaren doing the managing.
Their team is led by former MLBers Jair Jurrjens, Dovydas Neverauskas, Wilian Rosario, Didi Gregorius, Robinson Cano, and Dwight Smith Jr.
Mid-East Falcons
The other entry from the UAE are the Falcons from Abu Dhabi. Here Nick Swisher will be the Honorary General Manager and Dennis Cook will manage.
Some of the former MLBers on the team include Severino Gonzalez, J.D. Hammer, Alex Liddi, Pablo Sandoval, Rusney Castillo, and Alejandro de Aza.
Karachi Monarchs
The Monarchs are the representatives of Pakistan. Their Honorary General Manager will be Adrian Beltre, and they will be managed by Miguel Tejada.
The former big leaguers playing with the Monarchs include Bartolo Colon, David Huff, Hector Sanchez, Jefry Marte, Denis Phipps, and Steven Moya.
Riyadh
The last team in the league will represent Saudi Arabia but has not been solidified yet or even given a nickname. It was the last to join in March of 2024.
The league is acting as another winter league for the time being due to its length and time of year. To start, they are planning on redeveloping cricket fields instead of building new baseball stadiums.
You can find more information on the Baseball United website.