Potential MLB Expansion: 9 Cities in 3 Countries

Major League Baseball (MLB) stands on the edge of a huge transformation. Expansion talks are heating up, and speculation is swirling about which cities will land new franchises.

Commissioner expansion/”>Rob Manfred has hinted that two new teams could join before the decade’s end. The race is on, and cities across North America—and maybe beyond—are lining up to make their case.

Historic baseball cities like Montreal want back in. Up-and-coming markets like Nashville, Portland, and Salt Lake City are making noise, too. The competition for MLB’s next chapter looks intense.

MLB Expansion: The Road Ahead

Adding two teams would grow MLB’s footprint and almost certainly force a divisional realignment. The league’s six-division, two-league format might get an overhaul to keep things competitive and geographically sensible.

A bigger league could bring an expanded playoff format. Other pro sports have gone that route, so it wouldn’t be surprising if MLB followed suit.

Why Expansion is on the Table

New media markets, untapped fan bases, and more TV money make expansion tempting. Booming metro areas and strong minor-league cities look like fertile ground for new teams.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Stadium deals, committed ownership groups, and long-term fan support are big hurdles. Each city has to prove it can draw crowds and sustain TV numbers.

Top Contenders for MLB Expansion

Several cities have jumped to the front of the line. Each one brings something different to the table—some advantages, some headaches.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte’s sports culture is thriving, thanks to the NFL’s Panthers and NBA’s Hornets. The city’s big media market and Triple-A baseball presence tick a lot of MLB’s boxes.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is massive, with a huge fan base and international appeal. MLB games there have drawn big crowds before.

Still, the high altitude and some hesitation from Commissioner Manfred could slow things down.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal still loves baseball, even after losing the Expos. Manfred has said the city could support MLB again—if it builds a new, modern stadium.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s Music City Baseball group is pushing hard for a team. They’ve got a strong ownership group, solid sports infrastructure, and a media market that stacks up well against current MLB cities.

The city’s lively sports scene doesn’t hurt its chances.

Oakland, California

Oakland just lost the Athletics to Las Vegas, but the city remains a solid media market. With the right owners and a stadium plan, maybe MLB gives it another shot.

Portland, Oregon

Portland has political and financial backing for a new stadium. A rivalry with the Seattle Mariners would be instant and fierce.

The city’s sports profile keeps growing, which makes it even more appealing.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City has a committed ownership group and a possible stadium site. Its media market is on par with smaller MLB teams like Milwaukee or Kansas City.

The city’s rise in sports is hard to ignore.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento is hosting the A’s temporarily and has already shown it loves big-league baseball. With the right investment, it could turn its infrastructure and market size into a permanent spot.

San Antonio & Austin, Texas

A joint bid from San Antonio and Austin could unite two booming cities. San Antonio’s size gives the bid some extra weight in the expansion race.

The Impact of New MLB Teams

Wherever the two new teams land, the effects will ripple across the league. Here’s what could change:

• Divisions might get shuffled for better geographic balance
• Media rights revenues could jump with bigger TV markets
• MLB could reach farther internationally if Mexico City or Montreal gets picked
• Regional rivalries would heat up, probably driving ticket sales and fan engagement

Final Thoughts

MLB has a lot to weigh as it explores expansion. It’s not just about big markets—stadium readiness, solid ownership, and enthusiastic fans all matter.

There’s a real buzz among fans right now. Who knows? By the end of the decade, we might see new rivalries and two fresh cities waving their own MLB banners.

—

Would you like me to also create a *click-friendly meta description* for this post so it’s fully optimized for search? That could help maximize its SEO potential.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Potential MLB Expansion Cities? The Case For 9 Cities in 3 Countries