What happened: Major League Baseball's next phase of potential franchise expansion remains an active topic of evaluation across prospective markets.

Why it matters: Long-term league growth intersects with the sport's broader economic structure following MLB's initial CBA proposals centered on a salary cap. Adding clubs would require realignment across divisions along with updated revenue-sharing and scheduling frameworks.

What to watch: Immediate league focus stays on the 2026 World Series before offseason labor negotiations take center stage.