Six cities press their cases for MLB expansion

A committee could begin vetting bids within a year

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 81 min read

The full episode, in which we talk with stakeholders in Salt Lake City, Raleigh, Portland, Nashville, Orlando and Montre Via @JeffPassan on X

What happened: Stakeholders from Salt Lake City, Raleigh, Portland, Nashville, Orlando and Montreal are presenting their pitches. Salt Lake City has ownership, a public-private stadium partnership and a site in place, while Nashville lacks those three pieces.

Why it matters: The expected format would add one western and one eastern market after a new collective-bargaining agreement. MLB wants both cities chosen before January 2029.

By the numbers: MLB would grow from 30 to 32 clubs, its first expansion since 1998.

What to watch: Ownership groups must firm up financing and stadium plans before formal bids are evaluated.

Sources

@JeffPassan 2026-09-08T16:42:52.277994+00:00

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