What happened: Nashville, Raleigh, Portland, Orlando and Montreal also feature among the leading contenders for two expansion teams. Representatives from all six cities made their cases to Jeff Passan in a September 8 discussion. [ESPN podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/where-should-mlb-expand-six-cities-make-their-case/id1891164875?i=1000788469635)

Why it matters: Ownership and stadium financing give Salt Lake City concrete foundations for its pursuit of a franchise. Those commitments strengthen a bid; they do not constitute an expansion award.

What to watch: Watch for MLB to establish a selection process and for competing bids to advance their ownership and stadium plans.