What happened: Attention is on the cities in contention for MLB's next expansion teams as the league's long-term growth plans stay in view.

Why it matters: Expansion would ripple beyond two new clubs, affecting scheduling, territorial questions and league alignment. It would also open a fresh round of ownership and stadium decisions before any launch timeline takes shape.

What to watch: What to watch next is whether the process moves from broad expansion discussion to a clearer timetable and market shortlist.