MLB Rumors: 2 Teams Heavy Favorites In Expansion Race

Major League Baseball expansion is back in the spotlight, with commissioner Rob Manfred signaling the league intends to add two new franchises by 2031 or 2032.

With the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas and the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership resolved in Tampa Bay, the roadblocks to growth are finally clearing. That has cities across the country jockeying for position, with Nashville and Salt Lake City seen as the heavy favorites to land teams.

Nashville and Salt Lake City Out Front

Music City Baseball’s Nashville Stars bid has been in the works for years, with a brand rooted in the city’s Negro league history, according to The Athletic, and support from former athletes and MLB managers like Don Mattingly and Tony La Russa.

Nashville brings proven sports backing, an SEC powerhouse in Vanderbilt, and a strong minor league presence. What it still needs is a stadium site and finalized ownership group, critical pieces of any expansion case.

Salt Lake City is a no brainer. ⚾️🏔️

• Proven ownership group: Larry H. Miller Company
• Shovel-ready site for new MLB ballpark: centrally located between airport and downtown
• Blossoming professional sports presence: Utah Jazz, Mammoth

*Bonus: backdrop of The Sandlot https://t.co/X1TLQhBUyg pic.twitter.com/39apl12F4H
— Cooper Albers (@CooperAlbers) August 27, 2025

Salt Lake City, meanwhile, may be the closest thing to a “turnkey” option. Big League Utah, led by the Miller family, has secured a 100-acre site in the Power District, pledged $900 million in public funding, and released ballpark renderings.

The project has bipartisan political backing, and crews are preparing to break ground on surrounding development regardless of MLB’s decision. Oddsmakers currently peg Salt Lake at 22.2% to land a team, behind only Nashville’s 33.3%.

Other Cities Still in the Mix

While Nashville and Salt Lake dominate headlines, other cities haven’t given up. Portland’s Diamond Project recently secured a waterfront site at Zidell Yards, though it still needs an anchor investor. Raleigh has momentum thanks to Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon’s involvement, while Orlando, Austin, and even longshot Montreal are preparing bids.

MLB’s expansion fee is expected to be at least $2.2 billion per franchise, making deep-pocketed backers essential.

As much as I hate the idea of Nashville getting a MLB team, this name is the best I've seen yet. https://t.co/zm2DMbkgng
— Legendary Boo (@4BoSox) August 28, 2025