What happened: Tampa and Hillsborough County approved the Rays’ proposed ballpark in late August, advancing a project targeted for Opening Day 2029. The 2024 candidate pool included Austin/San Antonio, Charlotte, Montreal, Nashville, Orlando, Portland, Raleigh and Salt Lake City.
Why it matters: The Rays’ stadium uncertainty had been holding up a formal expansion push. Adding two clubs would affect divisional alignment, scheduling and travel across both leagues.
By the numbers: MLB has operated with 30 teams since Arizona and Tampa Bay joined in 1998. A two-team expansion would create a 32-club league.
What to watch: Watch for MLB to establish a formal process and detail its ownership, financing and stadium requirements.