Full Breakdown
MLB Expansion: Nashville and Salt Lake City in the Spotlight
3/4/2026, 12:59:59 PM
Fan Preferences for Expansion Cities
A recent survey conducted by The Athletic has revealed significant insights into Major League Baseball (MLB) expansion preferences among fans. The survey, which included responses from 12,901 baseball enthusiasts, identified Nashville as the clear favorite for a new franchise, with 73% of respondents supporting the Music City. Salt Lake City and Portland are also in contention for a team in the Western United States, but they lag behind Nashville in fan support. Portland received 47% of the votes, while Salt Lake City garnered 30%.
Competitive Landscape for MLB Teams
The competition for an MLB franchise is intensifying, particularly between Salt Lake City and Portland. Portland has established a head start through the Portland Diamond Project, initiated in 2017 by a group of investors that includes NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara. In contrast, Salt Lake City has formed a coalition called Big League Utah, led by the Larry H. Miller Company, which aims to secure an MLB team for the state. A notable development for Salt Lake City occurred when former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy, a two-time National League MVP, shifted his allegiance from the Portland Diamond Project to support Salt Lake City’s bid.
Public Sentiment on MLB Expansion
While Nashville is favored for expansion, the overall sentiment towards MLB expansion remains mixed. In the survey, only 51% of respondents expressed support for expanding the league to 32 teams, a decrease from 61.7% in 2022. The 2023 survey included a "no opinion" option, which accounted for 18% of responses. This shift in sentiment may reflect changing priorities among fans regarding MLB expansion.
Salt Lake City's Development Plans
Salt Lake City is actively pursuing its bid for an MLB team, with the Miller Company announcing plans for a $3.5 billion mixed-use development that includes a proposed stadium site along the Jordan River. CEO Steve Starks mentioned that the company is collaborating with ballpark architects to finalize site plans, including stadium orientation and seating capacity. The envisioned stadium would face the Wasatch Mountains, with the potential for home run balls to land in the river, reminiscent of McCovey Cove in San Francisco.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Lincoln Fillmore of South Jordan highlighted the significance of the Miller Company's project, stating, “This is the continued momentum on our promise to this area, to this neighborhood, to the river, to the lake and to our state.” He expressed optimism about the future, envisioning a vibrant community around the river by April 2032, coinciding with the potential arrival of a Major League Baseball team in Utah.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the expansion efforts, there remains a faction of fans who oppose the idea of MLB expansion. The survey results indicate that 31% of respondents are against adding new teams, suggesting a notable division in public opinion regarding the future of baseball in the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the continued momentum on our promise to this area, to this neighborhood, to our community, to the river, to the lake and to our state,” — Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan
- “Maybe expansion was more top of mind at that point,” — The Athletic
As the MLB considers its expansion strategy, Nashville and Salt Lake City are poised as leading candidates, each with unique advantages and challenges in the race for a new franchise.
