Wednesday December 6, 2023

MLB Expansion Suitors Grow, Even Without Formal Process

  • Montreal, Raleigh amplify their pitches for new MLB team
  • Still-undefined league process expected to take shape, accelerate soon
Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

While there isn’t yet a definitive process for MLB expansion — and the league is currently focusing on its new-look postseason — that isn’t stopping potential candidate cities from being more vocal about becoming one of the chosen markets.

The expected completion of new stadium deals for the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A’s will satisfy long-stated requirements by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and predecessor Bud Selig to consider adding new teams. In recent days, both Montreal and Raleigh, North Carolina, have become the latest cities to restate their desire for an expansion club. 

Montreal had the Expos from 1969-2004, and a new report from a Quebec radio station suggests the league will accelerate its expansion efforts within 12-to-18 months thanks to renewed MLB interest. The Canadian city is particularly leaning on its metro-area population of more than 4.3 million — far larger than any other MLB expansion candidate.

Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon told the North Carolina Sports Network that he wants “to try to bring another major asset to North Carolina” on the heels of completing a new lease and redevelopment plan for the NHL team’s PNC Arena. 

“I know I’m biased, but I think Raleigh is the best place in the country for a new MLB team,” Dundon said. “And when I say that, I think we have the facts to back that up.”

The pair joins other cities including Nashville, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Orlando, and Portland in either making preliminary pitches or being discussed as potential candidates.

The new clubs are poised to bring at least several billion dollars in new money into MLB, and Dundon didn’t flinch when asked about a potential $2.2 billion price tag for an expansion franchise. “Sounds reasonable,” he said. 

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baseball Extends Celebration of Negro Leagues With HOF Tribute Game

New event dovetails with planned MLB game at historic Rickwood Field.

NHL Plans To Stage 2024 Draft At $2.3B Vegas Sphere

League becomes first sports entity to stage an event entire at venue.
Tokyo-Olympics

Two Years After Tokyo’s $13B Olympics: Criminal Charges

Trial begins in bid-rigging scandal further marring already troubled Games.
Oakland Athletics center fielder Esteury Ruiz (1) tosses the ball to left fielder Brett Rooker (25) after making an out against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Where Will the A’s Play After Next Year? It’s Getting Complicated

Roster development, RSN money further cloud an already-complex decision.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NCAA Opens Door to Athlete Compensation

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
NHL-Gary-Bettman

NHL's Projected Record Salary Cap Reflects Revenue Surge (and Resilience)

Increased media revenue, rising attendance fuel post-pandemic recovery.
December 3, 2023

MLB Clubs Brace for Record Player Spending As Winter Meetings Kick Off

Expected record-level contract for Ohtani set to highlight offseason activity.
December 3, 2023

In Light of More Player Defection Talk, PGA Tour Pens Optimistic Memo

Players on policy board look to convey sense of calm, optimism.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks to move the ball past Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center.
December 1, 2023

The NBA Has Autumn Relevance Thanks To In-Season Tournament

The league set a new attendance record in the month of November.
A Bundesliga camera operator during a match
November 30, 2023

DFL Will See At Least Three Bids For $1B Bundesliga Media Stake

Investment plan to keep up with European rivals takes key step forward.
November 30, 2023

Pittsburgh Seeks the Spoils of NFL Draft Traveling Road Show

NFL team looks to host key league event on Pittsburgh's North Shore.
November 30, 2023

PGA Tour Expects To Add Another Investor To Pair With Saudi PIF

The PGA Tour is still working toward the Dec. 31 deadline.