Major League Baseball (MLB) has a rich history of expanding its reach across the United States, starting from its humble beginnings in the 19th century. The league has grown steadily over the decades, with new teams added to various cities that have made significant cultural and economic impacts on both the sport and their communities. Now, as the league explores possibilities for the future, the question of MLB expansion is an exciting topic, drawing attention to cities eager to join the professional baseball stage.
A Brief History of MLB Expansion
The journey of Major League Baseball dates back to 1876, with the formation of the National League, consisting of eight teams including the Boston Red Stockings (now the Atlanta Braves) and the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs). The American League was founded in 1901, and by 1903, the two leagues merged into what we now know as Major League Baseball.
Over the years, MLB expansion has introduced new teams to cities across the United States. Notable early expansions include the 1961 addition of the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Senators, followed by teams like the Houston Astros (formerly the Colt .45s) and the New York Mets in 1962. Since then, MLB expansion has continued, with cities like Miami and Denver gaining teams as recently as the 1990s. The most recent expansion team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, joined the league in 1998, marking MLB’s latest addition.
In recent years, MLB’s attention has turned to cities that could help boost the league’s popularity even further. With a strong fan base, robust infrastructure, and local government support, these cities could serve as promising locations for an MLB expansion.
Impact of MLB Expansion on Cities
An MLB expansion impacts a city far beyond the game itself. Having a professional baseball team brings in tourism, increases local business revenue, and creates jobs. It can transform a city’s identity, establishing it as a sports hub and elevating its national profile. An MLB team also fosters community pride, as residents rally around their team and attend games, creating lasting traditions and memories.
With a potential MLB expansion on the horizon, several cities are vying for the opportunity to bring a baseball team home. Here are ten cities that could be prime candidates for an MLB expansion:
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has been at the top of many MLB expansion lists, and it’s no surprise why. Known as “Music City,” Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and already hosts professional teams in the NFL and NHL. Baseball is popular in Nashville, which is already home to the Nashville Sounds, a Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The presence of a minor league team with strong fan support indicates the city could sustain an MLB franchise.
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland is another city that has shown interest in an MLB expansion. With a rich history of minor league baseball and a large population, Portland has the potential to draw fans from across the Pacific Northwest. Portland’s enthusiastic fan base for the NBA’s Trail Blazers shows the city’s strong support for professional sports, and an MLB team would be a great addition, especially with Seattle as a close regional rival.
3. Montreal, Quebec
Once home to the Montreal Expos, Montreal has been without an MLB team since the Expos moved to Washington, D.C., in 2005 to become the Nationals. Many Montrealers still feel passionate about baseball, and there’s strong support for bringing a team back to the city. A return to Montreal could bring back fans who have been waiting for MLB’s return and even draw a cross-border rivalry with Toronto’s Blue Jays.
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte has seen incredible growth and is now one of the largest cities in the United States without an MLB team. With a successful NFL and NBA presence and a growing soccer fan base, Charlotte has demonstrated a strong market for professional sports. Baseball’s popularity in North Carolina would only enhance the city’s potential as an MLB expansion candidate, with fans across the state likely to rally behind a Charlotte team.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has made major strides in the world of professional sports in recent years. With the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights finding success in Vegas, the city has shown it can be a sports hub. Baseball is already popular in Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Aviators, a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, regularly draw large crowds. An MLB team in Las Vegas could thrive, capitalizing on the tourism and entertainment industries.
6. San Antonio, Texas
As the seventh-largest city in the United States, San Antonio is often overlooked in discussions about MLB expansion. While Texas already has two teams (the Rangers and Astros), San Antonio’s size and rapid growth make it a viable candidate. The city has a strong sports culture and could draw fans from across southern Texas, establishing itself as a new baseball hotbed.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
MLB expansion could potentially cross international borders, and Mexico City would be an exciting candidate. As one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City has an enormous market, and baseball is already extremely popular in Mexico. An MLB team here would provide the league with greater access to Latin American fans, promoting the sport across borders and creating a new market for baseball.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has long been considered for an MLB expansion. With successful NBA and MLS teams, Salt Lake City has a robust sports culture and a supportive fan base. The city’s population growth, especially among young families and sports enthusiasts, makes it an appealing option. An MLB team in Salt Lake City could benefit from a loyal regional following that extends throughout Utah and nearby states.
9. Orlando, Florida
Orlando already has an NBA team and hosts several major sports events, but it lacks a professional baseball team. As a tourist destination with a large, diverse population, Orlando could draw from both locals and visitors to support an MLB franchise. The city has shown it can host major events with its existing sports infrastructure, and an MLB team would complete its professional sports lineup, adding a new dimension to Orlando’s tourism industry.
10. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, known for its love of sports, is home to the NFL’s Colts and the NBA’s Pacers. The city’s central location and sports-oriented culture would make it an attractive option for an MLB expansion. Indianapolis already hosts numerous sports events, including the Indy 500, one of the most well-attended events worldwide. Adding an MLB team to Indianapolis could create a loyal fan base and capitalize on the city’s sports reputation.
Recent MLB Expansions and Changes
MLB expansion hasn’t taken place in over two decades, with the last major additions being the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now simply the Rays) in 1998. Since then, baseball has shifted its focus toward improving its existing teams and enhancing stadiums rather than expanding. However, fan demand for new teams and the league’s interest in expanding its footprint has recently brought potential MLB expansion into the spotlight once again. This renewed interest is spurred by population shifts, the league’s desire to diversify its fan base, and the impressive success of other sports expansions in markets across the U.S. and Canada. Notably, Nashville, Portland, and Montreal have become front-runners in expansion discussions, offering passionate fan bases and growing sports markets.
With Major League Baseball evaluating new cities for expansion, they are closely examining the cultural and economic landscapes of these potential host cities. Cities like Nashville and Portland offer robust minor league followings, strong local economies, and increasing population growth—all signs that MLB teams could thrive in these locations. The enthusiasm in these areas is building steadily, as evidenced by the rise in attendance at local games, media coverage, and interest from regional investors. While expansion remains a significant undertaking, MLB’s consistent attendance numbers and national appeal suggest there’s ample room for new teams.
The Financial and Cultural Impact of an MLB Expansion Team
When a city gains an MLB team, it experiences substantial economic and cultural benefits. An MLB expansion brings an infusion of tourism revenue on game days, with fans traveling to watch games, stay at local hotels, dine in restaurants, and shop at nearby retail outlets. In addition to tourism, having a team in town generates local jobs—from stadium construction and operations to media and broadcasting roles, which boosts the city’s economy and employment rates. The ripple effects extend to increased visibility, as national broadcasts bring the city into the spotlight, enhancing its image and attracting more tourism.
Beyond economics, the cultural impact of an MLB team on a city can be transformative. A baseball team often becomes a point of local pride, uniting communities across demographics. The team colors, chants, and stadium become cultural landmarks, fostering a sense of identity and community. In cities that have experienced expansion before, like Denver with the Colorado Rockies in 1993, sports teams have fostered city-wide pride, boosted local business sponsorships, and offered educational partnerships within communities. An MLB team’s influence on culture and economy makes expansion an attractive prospect for the cities vying for their own team.
MLB Expansion and the Future of Baseball
As Major League Baseball contemplates expansion, potential cities across North America, and even internationally, are generating buzz about hosting a new team. MLB expansion would not only increase accessibility for fans but also contribute to the game’s longevity by reaching untapped markets. The addition of new teams could bring a resurgence of interest in baseball, especially in regions that currently lack representation. For instance, adding a team in Las Vegas could capitalize on the city’s increasing investment in professional sports and its track record of fan engagement, while Montreal, with its historical roots in baseball, could restore a legacy cut short when the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C.
The league’s expansion decisions will likely reshape baseball for the next generation, boosting its popularity across previously underserved regions. These new teams would introduce baseball to broader audiences, create opportunities for new rivalries, and offer fresh narratives for fans and media. Moreover, the adoption of new teams would inspire excitement through the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums, modernizing fan experiences while creating atmospheres filled with local culture and pride. As the sport looks to adapt and grow, MLB expansion could prove vital in making baseball relevant and engaging for future generations.
Top Investors and Potential Stakeholders in MLB Expansion
Key to MLB expansion success is the involvement of influential investors and stakeholders who can navigate the substantial financial and logistical requirements. In previous expansions, billionaires with a passion for sports have played a crucial role, providing necessary funding and business acumen. Investors like Bill Foley, who brought NHL hockey to Las Vegas, have set the standard for successfully integrating major league sports into emerging markets. Foley’s success shows the potential for strong returns when new teams are introduced to burgeoning sports hubs.
Prominent potential investors in MLB expansion include sports-centric venture capital firms, local business magnates, and tech industry leaders interested in the sports market’s potential for growth. In cities like Nashville, celebrity investors, such as country music stars, may be drawn to stake their claim in the baseball industry, given the cultural prominence of sports in the South. In Las Vegas, casino moguls are likely to back MLB’s expansion, having already successfully partnered with other professional sports leagues. These influential figures bring both capital and strategic marketing insights, making them valuable contributors to any new team’s success.
Real Estate Surrounding the Stadiums
Investors also see potential profits from real estate surrounding new stadiums, including entertainment complexes, hotels, and dining establishments. When MLB expands, these stakeholders stand to gain significantly as stadiums become catalysts for local economic growth and hubs for social interaction. Ultimately, the future of MLB expansion will be shaped not only by passionate fans and city leaders but by investors who recognize the cultural and economic potential of America’s pastime in new locations.
