Major League Baseball lockout ends as owners, players reach tentative deal

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association on Thursday reportedly reached a tentative agreement, ending the league's 99-day lockout that resulted in a delay and game cancelations.

The new labor deal "still needs to be ratified by both parties, that is expected to be a formality, and when it is: Baseball is back," ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted, saying that sources told his outlet about the deal.

Players may report to spring training on Sunday, he said. Opening day, originally scheduled for March 31, is now planned for April 7, ESPN's Jessee Rogers reported.

This is the second-longest pause in the league's history. The entire 162-game schedule is still expected to be played this season. 

The MLB also came to an agreement on an international draft on Thursday, which would allow the league and its player's association to have until July 25 to come to a deal on an international draft beginning in 2024, sources tell ESPN.