Story perspectives

U.S. Leaders Push Sacramento MLB Expansion, Bridge District Site Studied

5/28/2026

Summary

Sacramento Seeks MLB

U.S. leaders announced Thursday a bid to bring an MLB expansion team to Sacramento.
Mayor Kevin McCarty, Mayor Martha Guerrero, Dusty Baker and Derrek Lee will address a conference, where Guerrero said crowds at Sutter Health Park show the region is ready.
The Oakland Athletics are playing in West Sacramento while preparing to move to Las Vegas in 2028.
The Bridge District is being studied as a stadium site.

Summary

Sacramento Secures Funding

The Sacramento Pitch secured $1.8 billion in contributions, including $1 billion in financing from West Sacramento and $800 million from private investors.
The United Auburn Indian Community and Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians each pledged $250 million for the stadium.
The Sacramento Kings and Vivek Ranadivé contributed the Sutter Health Park site, valued at $150 million, to the project.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said expansion fees for a new MLB franchise could reach $2 billion to $2.5 billion.

Summary

Coalition Projects

The coalition, comprising business leaders, civil groups, the United Auburn Indian Community, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and Dusty Baker, projects ballpark district will generate $1.77 billion in economic activity over 40 years.
The plan says financing will not use West Sacramento’s general fund and will not require a taxpayer vote.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said he hopes to have a 32-team expansion process in place before he leaves office in 2029.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 MLB expansion, approved in March 1995, added the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays after each ownership group paid a $130 million franchise fee and secured public-private stadium bonds. Sacramento’s current bid echoes that model, with the Auburn Indian Community, Shingle Springs Band and city leaders pledging $1.8 billion for a ballpark and projecting a $1.77 billion economic boost.

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Sacramento Seeks MLB

U.S. leaders announced Thursday a bid to bring an MLB expansion team to Sacramento.
Mayor Kevin McCarty, Mayor Martha Guerrero, Dusty Baker and Derrek Lee will address a conference, where Guerrero said crowds at Sutter Health Park show the region is ready.
The Oakland Athletics are playing in West Sacramento while preparing to move to Las Vegas in 2028.
The Bridge District is being studied as a stadium site.

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