MLB's Next Expansion: Salt Lake City Leads the Charge, But Nashville, Raleigh, and More Are Ready to Play

When Baseball Returns to the Big Leagues

It's official: the era of Major League Baseball expansion is almost upon us. After years of stalled progress, one of the biggest hurdles — public funding for a new ballpark — has finally been cleared. The Hillsborough County Commission approved $796 million in public funds to help Tampa Bay Rays build their new stadium. That leaves only one thing standing between MLB and expansion: the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Once that's done, expect an expansion committee to be formed soon, with bids likely under review by next year.

I've been covering this story closely since it began, and let me tell you — the excitement is palpable. For over 30 years, there hasn't been a single new MLB franchise. Now, that might change — and it's happening fast.

"We're not just talking about adding more teams; we're talking about creating new opportunities for players, cities, and fans across the country."

The goal? To have two new franchises — one on the West Coast, one on the East Coast — by 2029, if all goes according to plan. That gives our cities just over a year to prepare.

Salt Lake City: A Complete Package

Of course, there's already a frontrunner in this race, and it's Salt Lake City. What makes them stand out? Well, they have everything that MLB wants in an expansion team:

• A strong ownership group — the Miller family, who've proven themselves with the Jazz
• Stadium funding — $3.5 billion from Big League Utah, plus $900 million from state funding
• A ready site — the Power District, already under construction on the west side of Salt Lake City

This isn't just a hopeful bid. This is a full-blown, realistic contender. And it's clear why: the Miller family understands what it takes to build a successful franchise.

They've invested heavily in Utah already — in the Jazz and now the Mammoth, which has drawn crowds comparable to those of larger markets. That kind of fan support isn't something that can be ignored. In fact, Salt Lake City's success shows that market size doesn't always equate to success. What matters is passion.

And when you look at the numbers, the investment seems justified. With recent MLB sales like the Angels and Padres fetching billions, it's safe to assume an expansion fee of over $2 billion is in the cards. Salt Lake City's ownership structure is more than ready for that challenge — they're not going to back down.

Nashville: The East Coast Contender

While Salt Lake City leads on the West Coast, Nashville has long been considered the favorite for the East Coast spot. But here's the catch: they're missing three crucial pieces.

They lack an owner, stadium funding, and a specific site. That's not to say their bid is dead — far from it. The city has a rich baseball legacy, cultural relevance, and strong support from fans.

Nashville's challenge isn't in the market or the love of baseball; it's about execution. If someone steps up with the money, the land, and the willingness to take on the expansion fee — we could see Nashville leapfrogging ahead quickly.

What's also important is the city's growing popularity in sports. The success of the Tennessee Titans and other teams shows that Nashville isn't just a cultural hotspot — it's a rising sports hub too.

The key to Nashville's future might be the timing. With the expansion committee likely forming after the CBA is signed, the city has time to rally behind its bid — but they need to move fast.

Raleigh: The Surprising Dark Horse

If you're looking for an underdog in this race, look no further than Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a city that's quietly building momentum and could very well surprise everyone with its strength.

There's one thing that sets them apart — they have a billionaire investor: Tom Dundon, who owns the Carolina Hurricanes and Portland Trail Blazers. That alone gives their bid significant weight.

Raleigh also has another high-profile backer — Marc Lasry, former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. That kind of financial backing is rare in expansion bids and could be the difference-maker when it comes to securing a new team.

And here's where things get interesting: they've got strong political support from Governor Josh Stein and state leaders. Plus, their location makes perfect sense — North Carolina is projected to become the seventh-largest state by population, and with no MLB teams currently in the region, there's an opportunity for expansion to make a splash.

Even if it's not getting national headlines yet, the structure of the Raleigh bid shows real potential. It's still under the radar, but that may just be strategic. With enough momentum, this team could catch up quickly — and even challenge Salt Lake City in the end.

Portland: A Solid Challenge

Portland is another strong contender, especially with its public funding secured and a site identified. The Portland Diamond Project, led by Craig Cheek, has made strides in securing $800 million from Oregon's state government to build a stadium.

The site they've chosen — Zidell Yards — is one of the most scenic spots in baseball. Imagine playing at the edge of the Willamette River with the Cascade Mountains as your backdrop. That's not just a ballpark — that's a spectacle.

So why isn't Portland leading the pack? Because they're missing a key piece: an anchor investor. While the public funding and site are solid, without a billionaire or major ownership group backing the team, they're struggling to gain traction with MLB decision-makers.

But that doesn't mean they can't close the gap. If someone steps up — and they have the support of the community and the government — Portland could very well be the next expansion team in the mix.

Orlando: A Demographic Powerhouse

Orlando is a unique case — it's the largest market in the U.S. without an MLB team, with more than 4 million people living in its statistical area. It's also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, which gives MLB a powerful argument for expansion.

But Orlando's bid faces challenges. Their original owner, Rick Workman, has since joined the Rays' ownership group, leaving them without a strong anchor investor. Additionally, they've been denied funding by local tourism authorities — which is a major setback.

Despite that, Orlando remains a viable option. They have a strong fanbase and are home to SeaWorld, which could be part of a future stadium plan. But unless there's a new wave of investment or a change in local leadership, their chances might be slim.

Montreal: A Historic Comeback

Last but certainly not least — Montreal. After the failed attempt to bring a team back in 2022, this city is once again looking at the possibility of hosting an MLB franchise.

While they don't have the same infrastructure as Salt Lake City or Portland, Montreal has something that no other city can offer — history. The Expos were once a beloved team in Canadian baseball, and many fans are eager to see them return.

Ashkan Karbasfrooshan is pushing for the return of the Expos, and his vision includes building a community-driven, fan-first franchise. It's not just about bringing back the team — it's about rekindling that passion that was once lost.

The challenge for Montreal? Finding investors who are willing to take on the financial risk. But with the right combination of leadership, community support, and a long-term vision, they could make history.

The Big Picture: Expansion is More Than Just Teams

This isn't just about building new stadiums or finding investors — it's about creating new experiences for fans across the country. Each of these cities offers something different. Salt Lake City brings a proven model; Nashville gives culture and tradition; Raleigh adds billionaire energy and political backing; Portland provides scenic beauty and public investment; Orlando shows demographic strength, and Montreal reminds us of baseball's past.

And that's what makes this expansion so exciting — not just for fans, but for the future of the game itself. Every city has a story to tell, and every team will bring its own flavor to MLB.

"Expanding the league means more than just adding teams. It means opening doors for young players, bringing more attention to underserved markets, and giving cities a chance to become part of the baseball family."

The journey ahead is filled with uncertainty — but also promise. Whether it's Salt Lake City, Nashville, or any of the others, one thing is clear: MLB expansion is coming, and we're all going to be watching.