Saturday September 30, 2023

MLB Expansion Potentially Draws Closer With Rays Ballpark Deal

  • Rays' stadium deal looks to solve long-running problem for MLB
  • League executives will look to move quickly on considering expansion
Gensler
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

After operating at 30 teams for a quarter-century, MLB could finally be approaching expansion.

Both MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and predecessor Bud Selig have reiterated that any extensive consideration of league expansion would first require solving problematic stadium issues for both the Rays and Oakland A’s. 

While the A’s situation remains in limbo, there is now an expected $1.2 billion deal for the Tampa Bay Rays to build a new ballpark in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a formal announcement planned for Tuesday.

The Rays’ effort to replace the badly outdated Tropicana Field will center on the development of a 30,000-seat stadium opening in 2028, part of a larger, 86-acre redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant District. The deal would end years of relocation talk involving the Rays and keep MLB in the country’s 13th-largest media market.

“We’ll be sharing a lot with the public tomorrow!” team president Matt Silverman said to Front Office Sports.

On the other side of the country, the A’s have formally submitted their relocation bid to move to Las Vegas and build a new ballpark there, though some questions still surround that effort. 

Should both the Rays and A’s succeed in resolving decades-long facility issues, expansion efforts are expected to quickly escalate around MLB. Already, cities such as Nashville, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Montreal, and Portland have either made preliminary pitches or have been discussed as potential candidates.

At the All-Star Game in July, Manfred said MLB was beginning to think more about expansion, which could bring at least several billion dollars in new money into the sport.

“I hope pretty shortly thereafter [completing the A’s and Rays deals], we would put together an expansion committee and start talking about issues associated with expansion,” Manfred said then. 

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium.

Shohei Ohtani Tops MLB Jersey Sales List For First Time

He's the first Japanese player to headline the list in MLB history

O’s New Lease Deal Continues Stadium-Centered Development Trend

MLB club gains 99-year development rights agreement for ballpark area

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.

ESPN, Tiger-Rory Golf League Close To Long-Term Deal

New entity backed by Woods, McIlroy nears critical agreement
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
Toy Story
September 29, 2023

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 29, 2023

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 28, 2023

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Endeavor, Fenway Sports Could Offer Competition to PGA Tour’s Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components
September 27, 2023

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
September 26, 2023

Miami Is A New Soccer Hub With FIFA, Argentina Moves

FIFA is moving 100+ employees to a new South Florida office.
September 26, 2023

NFL's Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact

Taylor Swift stole the NFL's spotlight by attending Sunday's Chiefs game.
September 25, 2023

NFL Owners' Debt Limit Could Increase To $1.6B

Currently, new NFL owners can use $1 billion of debt.