What happened: ESPN's Jeff Passan identifies Salt Lake City, Nashville, Raleigh, Portland, Orlando and Montreal as leading contenders.

Why it matters: Ownership, stadium financing and a viable site shape each city's prospects. Salt Lake City has all three lined up, giving its bid an advantage, according to Passan. [KSL](https://www.ksl.com/article/51621431/utahs-mlb-pitch-is-by-far-the-most-advanced-potential-bid-leading-insider-says)

What to watch: Watch for a formal expansion process and the league's timetable for selecting markets.