The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to continue their pursuit of a historic three-peat in the Major League Baseball postseason, facing the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series. Having captured back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, the Dodgers become the first franchise since the New York Yankees’ streak from 1998 to 2000 to attempt three consecutive championships.
Los Angeles secured the second seed in the National League with a 100-win regular season record, trailing only the Milwaukee Brewers’ 103-59 mark. Despite this, betting markets and analysts favor LA to reach the World Series, ahead of both Milwaukee and the New York Yankees.
The postseason action kicks off on Saturday, 3 October, with a doubleheader broadcast live on BBC platforms. The slate begins at 18:00 BST as the Chicago White Sox take on the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Coverage then shifts to Dodger Stadium for the 21:00 BST start of the Dodgers-Braves series, a best-of-five matchup hosted by the defending champions.
Dodger Stadium, which opened in 1962 and holds 56,000 spectators, has become one of MLB’s most sought-after venues. The franchise set a record attendance figure this season with 4,034,219 fans, averaging nearly 50,000 per game. This surge in popularity follows the high-profile signings of two-way star Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2024, which significantly boosted the team’s Asian fanbase and stimulated tourism from Japan.
The Hollywood connection remains strong, with A-list celebrities frequently spotted at games. Notable attendees over recent years include Rob Lowe, Brad Pitt, Will Ferrell, Bryan Cranston, Jason Bateman, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, NBA legend LeBron James, NFL quarterback Justin Herbert, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Pierre Ducrey, sports director for the International Olympic Committee, noted the unique atmosphere at the stadium. Having worked briefly in LA, Ducrey observed that Dodger fans are notably passionate and described the venue as an ideal setting for baseball, highlighting the city’s deep sporting culture ahead of the 2028 Olympics, which will feature baseball.
On the field, the Dodgers will rely on pitcher Tarik Skubal, acquired via mid-season trade, who is expected to start Game 1. He will face Matt Olson, Atlanta’s leading home-run hitter who clubbed 41 balls during the regular season. While Ohtani remains the team’s most prominent offensive weapon, he is sidelined from pitching for the remainder of the year due to injury.
In the American League, sixth-seeded Chicago has already defeated the Houston Astros. The winners of the White Sox-Guardians series will advance to face either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Yankees. The National League Championship Series winner will ultimately meet the American League champion in the World Series, scheduled to begin on 23 October.
Skubal starting Game 1 against Olson’s power hitting sounds like a terrifying matchup for LA fans.
I had no idea Dodger Stadium attendance was that high. 50k fans per game is incredible consistency.
Three-peat? Bold talk. The Yankees haven’t done it since 2000 for a reason. Atlanta will make this hard.
Shohei Ohtani changing the game again, even without pitching. The Dodgers’ star power is unmatched right now.