Story perspectives

MLB Eyes 32 Teams: Nashville and Salt Lake City Lead

8/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) is exploring expansion to 32 teams, with Nashville and Salt Lake City as leading candidates.
Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to finalize the addition of two teams by 2029, with expansion fees estimated at $2-2.5 billion.
Other contenders include Portland, Austin, and Orlando, which face challenges related to support and infrastructure.
Realignment discussions could affect current teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, by minimizing travel and changing divisions.

History

Historical Context

Major League Baseball expanded to 30 teams in 1998, adding the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, with franchise fees reaching $130 million. This followed earlier expansions, including the 1993 addition of the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies. The current proposal to add two more teams reflects the league's growth, with potential expansion fees estimated between $2-2.5 billion.

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Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) is exploring expansion to 32 teams, with Nashville and Salt Lake City as leading candidates.
Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to finalize the addition of two teams by 2029, with expansion fees estimated at $2-2.5 billion.
Other contenders include Portland, Austin, and Orlando, which face challenges related to support and infrastructure.
Realignment discussions could affect current teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, by minimizing travel and changing divisions.

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