From Straight Arrow · · 1m 30s
2026 World Series: Historic First-Time Champions
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay face first World Series without prior championships.
In brief
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay face first World Series without prior championships. 2026 World Series features two teams that have never won a championship, with a potential salary cap lockout looming for the 2027 season. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.
2026 World Series starts
The MLB World Series begins Friday with Milwaukee Brewers versus Tampa Bay Rays.
First championship drought
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay are the first teams to never win a World Series championship.
Payroll comparison
Brewers payroll: $146 million (19th); Rays payroll: $96 million (25th) among MLB teams.
Historic payroll gap
First time since 1991 both NL and AL winners have payrolls in bottom 50% of MLB teams.
Rays' World Series history
Rays appeared in two World Series: 2008 against Phillies and 2020 against Dodgers.
Brewers' World Series history
Brewers appeared in one World Series in 1982 against St. Louis Cardinals.
Salary cap debate
MLB owners propose salary cap to level playing field; players' union opposes it.
Labor dispute timeline
Current MLB collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, 2026.
Stadium roof impact
Brewers' retractable roof and Rays' permanent roof could affect World Series play.
Roof incidents
Brewers roof saved game when fly ball hit cable; Rays roof knocked down fly ball.
2026 World Series significance
First World Series with two teams that have never won a championship.
Potential lockout
Salary cap dispute could lead to lockout disrupting 2027 season.
Here's the gist
2026 World Series features two teams that have never won a championship, with a potential salary cap lockout looming for the 2027 season.
