MLB Eyes Expansion with Nashville and Salt Lake City as Front-Runners

Major League Baseball is pursuing two new franchises, with Nashville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City, Utah, identified as leading candidates. The plan would raise the league to 32 clubs. Although markets such as Charlotte, Vancouver, Portland and Orlando have been mentioned, MLB’s discussions have centered on the two western and southern cities.

Newsweek

Commissioner Rob Manfred introduced the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system this season, describing it as strengthening sport’s rules and functionality. With ABS in place, he has signaled that expansion is the next logical step. The plan also aligns with pending relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas, which must be completed before teams are approved.

Newsweek

Rob Manfred, MLB’s commissioner, leads the expansion process. In Nashville, investors have formed an ownership group that highlights the city’s college baseball strength, citing the University of Tennessee Volunteers and Vanderbilt University. In Salt Lake City, investors cite the Utah Mammoth hockey franchise (formerly the Phoenix Coyotes) and the state’s growing commercial appeal for a baseball team.

Newsweek

• Existing MLB clubs: 30

Newsweek

• Targeted total after expansion: 32

Newsweek

• Potential expansion slots: 2 (one each for Nashville and Salt Lake City)

Newsweek

• Timeline for final decisions: estimated two to three years, pending the Athletics’ Las Vegas transition.

Newsweek

A Nashville team would expand MLB’s presence in the southern United States, complementing the Atlanta Braves market. A Salt Lake City team would extend the league’s footprint in the Intermountain West, building on Utah’s sports success. Both cities can tap existing fan bases—college baseball in Tennessee and a growing commercial environment in Utah.

Newsweek

MLB officials say the league’s “rules and functionality” are solid, making expansion a “next logical step.” Commissioner Manfred’s remarks stress a commitment to growth while ensuring the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas proceeds without disruption.

Newsweek

Public information does not detail the ownership groups’ composition or a definitive timeline for awarding franchises. Although Nashville and Salt Lake City are highlighted as frontrunners, the league continues to evaluate other markets, leaving the final selection open.

Newsweek

MLB aims to finalize expansion decisions within two to three years, contingent on the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas. After ownership groups are approved, the league will proceed with stadium planning, branding, and schedule integration for the new clubs.

Newsweek