Breaking: MLB and the MLBPA have started exchanging proposals as the current CBA approaches expiration in December, putting league-backed expansion to 32 teams back on the table. Cities from Nashville to Montreal are making formal bids; stadium certainty and ownership groups will likely decide which two markets — one East, one West — get the next franchises.
MLB, the CBA and why expansion is suddenly urgent
The CBA clock — set to expire in December — has reignited expansion talk. MLB has made clear it wants to grow to 32 teams, and owners view an updated labor deal as the necessary framework to map schedules, revenue sharing and draft/lottery changes that accompany new franchises. That means the next months are decisive: if the league and the players’ union strike a deal, expansion planning will move from concept to concrete decisions.
What MLB is looking for
MLB will prioritize ownership depth, stadium certainty, media-market reach and geographic balance. The league reportedly prefers adding one Eastern and one Western franchise, which increases the number of viable bids but also forces comparisons across very different markets.
Practicalities — land availability, public financing appetite, corporate sponsorship and proven local interest — will outweigh nostalgia.
Top expansion candidates, ranked
1. Nashville — frontrunner in the East
Nashville combines a strong regional media footprint, proven fan appetite and a long-standing, organized bid. The Music City Baseball group has pushed for a Nashville Stars franchise since 2019, leaning on the city’s sports culture and corporate base.
Local teams routinely fill large venues even in down years, signaling transferrable demand for baseball. The biggest advantage here is clarity: committed ownership, a compelling market and political momentum make Nashville the easiest sell to owners focused on minimizing risk.
2. Salt Lake City — ownership and a master plan
Salt Lake City’s bid is anchored by the Miller family and an ambitious $3.5 billion “Power District” concept with a ballpark as its centerpiece. That kind of integrated, privately led development is exactly the type of project MLB wants: clear stadium plans, deep-pocketed owners and a proven regional sports culture.
The market isn’t enormous, but reliable fan bases for the Jazz and NHL teams, plus coherent urban planning, give Salt Lake City a realistic shot at becoming the league’s Mountain West anchor.
3. Portland — the design-forward waterfront proposal
Portland has been methodical and creative: the Diamond Project’s Zidell Yards plan envisions an intimate, high-design stadium with a translucent retractable roof and $800 million in state-authorized bonds on the table.
That waterfront vision appeals to MLB’s desire for destination ballparks, but Portland’s relative lack of large corporate partners and slower population growth weaken its commercial case. Still, a ready-to-build site and an organized civic push keep Portland in contention.
4. Charlotte — booming market with territorial friction
Charlotte’s growth trajectory, corporate headquarters and diversified sports market make it an attractive Southern expansion option. The city ranks among the top 25 media markets and benefits from substantial corporate sponsorship potential.
The main obstacles are territorial overlap with the Atlanta Braves and internal state competition from Raleigh. Charlotte’s bid will hinge on whether MLB believes it can break or buy into existing regional allegiances without alienating current franchises.
5. Sacramento — proven hosting; newcomer questions
Sacramento’s recent role hosting the Athletics provides real-time proof of concept: the market can handle MLB operations and there is a viable 35,000-seat Bridge District site already proposed. That practical advantage is huge — MLB can observe attendance, local engagement and logistical feasibility rather than guessing.
Sacramento’s downside is relative newcomer status in the expansion conversation; when compared with long-established bidders, it still needs to demonstrate sustained ownership depth and a long-term financial plan.
6. Montreal — sentimental heavyweight with heavy caveats
Montreal offers nostalgia, a larger metro population than most contenders and established brand recognition from the Expos era. The Bronfman family and other backers have kept the idea alive. But MLB remembers why baseball faltered there before: management issues, revenue shortfalls and the complexity of a bilingual, cross-border market.
The league will weigh romance against risk; reviving Montreal would be as much a cultural statement as a strategic one, and MLB’s tolerance for that gamble looks limited.
Key factors that will decide the winners
Stadium certainty: shovel-ready sites and private capital dominate political promises.
Ownership credibility: pedigreed sports owners and deep-pocketed groups shorten MLB’s approval timeline.
Media reach and corporate support: advertising money and suite sales drive franchise valuations.
Territorial and legal considerations: existing franchises’ territorial rights and travel logistics matter.
Political and public financing appetite: even privately led projects still need local approvals and infrastructure support.
What to watch next
Timeline and tone of CBA negotiations will dictate how fast MLB moves. If a labor deal is reached, expect owners to prioritize markets with ready stadium plans and credible ownership. Watch for public filings, private financing commitments and any cross-party deals with existing MLB clubs over territorial compensation. In short: a signed CBA accelerates decision-making; without it, expansion talk remains aspirational.
Bottom line
Nashville and Salt Lake City currently lead because they marry market upside with clear ownership and development plans. Portland and Charlotte offer appealing visions but face commercial hurdles. Sacramento’s real-world audition is a persuasive wildcard.
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Montreal remains the emotionally compelling but operationally risky option. Ultimately, MLB will reward certainty — the cities that can show a completed business plan and a stadium blueprint will be closest to a new franchise.
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