Manfred: World Series, NLCS provided model for 2021 fan attendance

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred believes spectators can attend games next season if safety measures and regulations are followed in a similar fashion to what was in place for the World Series and NLCS.

"The fact that we were able to safely have fans in the stadium the last two rounds certainly improved the atmosphere in the ballpark," Manfred said, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. "And I think it's a demonstration that it's possible with the right rules and protocols to have fans at events. It provides a model that can be expanded next year."

MLB was able to fill 25% of the seating capacity at Globe Life Field with physical-distancing rules and a mask policy in place.

Following the World Series, Manfred said the 2020 campaign was a triumph because of the unprecedented circumstances.

"I think baseball should be proud of what it accomplished this year," he said. "We faced challenges unlike any other in the history of the sport. We managed to confront them by working with the players, working with the clubs. I regard that to be a great success."

MLB implemented a 60-game season that started in late July due to the coronavirus pandemic and a back-to-work impasse between owners and the MLBPA. COVID-19 outbreaks also ravaged the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, fueling speculation about another league-wide shutdown.

The league reportedly lost $3.1 billion during 2020.