Salt Lake City leads field for potential MLB expansion as bids take shape

Major League Baseball’s expansion process could move closer to reality after the league agrees a new collective bargaining agreement, according to an ESPN analysis. MLB has not added a franchise in more than three decades, and no expansion committee, cities or teams have been officially announced.

Salt Lake City is described as the most advanced potential bid. The Larry H. Miller Company is identified as prospective ownership, with proposed stadium funding and a site at the Power District. ESPN ranks the city as the leading candidate for a Western expansion place.

Nashville remains a prominent Eastern contender through the Music City Baseball group, but its bid has significant gaps. ESPN reports that it does not yet have confirmed ownership, stadium funding or a stadium site, despite the city’s established baseball profile and broader demographic appeal.

Raleigh, Portland, Orlando and Montreal are also assessed. Raleigh has backing from sports owner Tom Dundon and possible support from Marc Lasry, while Portland has proposed public funding and a potential stadium site but lacks an anchor investor. Orlando has a large media market but failed to secure requested tourist-tax funding for a stadium.

Montreal, the former home of the Expos, is being monitored for its baseball history and demographics, although it currently lacks confirmed ownership, funding and a site. ESPN reports that potential expansion fees could exceed US$2 billion, increasing the pressure on prospective bids to demonstrate financial and institutional readiness.

Commissioner Rob Manfred has reportedly expressed a preference for one Western and one Eastern city to be selected by January 2029. The timing remains dependent on the next collective bargaining agreement, and the analysis presents the candidate rankings and timetable as prospective rather than settled MLB policy.