As we move to Game 3 of the World Series, the Yankees and Dodgers feature the two biggest markets in baseball. There are smaller markets that have been identified as spots for Major League Baseball (MLB) expansion. The league expanded to 30 teams in 1998 with the addition of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and that came four years after MLB established an expansion committee. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, there is ongoing speculation about potential future expansion cities. While no definitive decisions have been made, several cities have been mentioned as strong candidates for new MLB franchises. Some think a 32-team league will happen, and others hope they go to 34 teams.

There is some opposition to expansion at a time when there are a few franchises struggling to make ends meet — and only get by via their survival on MLB’s revenue sharing which shifts the money from the rich teams to the poorest teams. While some feel that some teams self-inflict the issues on themselves, MLB needs a better solution. Two struggling teams are on the move. Tampa Bay is finally getting a new stadium, and the Oakland franchise is on the move to Las Vegas to hopefully solve their issues.

Factors Considered for Expansion

When considering expansion, MLB typically evaluates several factors, including:

• Population: A large population base is essential to ensure a strong fan base and ticket sales.
• Economic Stability: A stable economy is important for attracting corporate sponsorships and supporting the financial viability of a new team.
• Market Potential: MLB evaluates the potential for growth in a particular market, considering factors such as the popularity of baseball in the region and the competitive landscape.
• Stadium Availability: A suitable stadium is necessary to accommodate a Major League team. This includes factors such as capacity, amenities, and location.
• Political Support: Local and state governments must be supportive of a new MLB team, providing necessary infrastructure and incentives.

Potential Expansion Cities

While Las Vegas was near the top of the list, the Oakland Athletics are nearing their relocation to Nevada, which has narrowed down the next grouping of names. Based on these factors, several cities have been frequently mentioned as potential candidates for MLB expansion:

• Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville is a rapidly growing city with a passionate fan base for various sports. The city has a successful minor-league baseball team and has been mentioned as a potential expansion candidate. There were rumors for a while that the Baltimore Orioles would relocate there, and that of course did not happen.
• Charlotte, North Carolina: Charlotte is a major city with a growing population and a strong sports culture. The city has a successful minor-league baseball team and has expressed interest in hosting a Major League team.
• Montreal, Canada: As everyone here knows, Montreal previously had a Major League team, the Expos, which relocated to Washington, D.C. as the Nationals. There has been renewed interest in bringing a Major League team back to Montreal, especially given the city’s strong baseball tradition.
• Raleigh, North Carolina: Raleigh is a growing city with a passionate fan base for various sports. The city has a successful minor-league baseball team and has been mentioned as a potential expansion candidate. Expect North Carolina to get one team in expansion.
• Portland, Oregon: Portland has a strong sports culture and a growing population. The city has a successful minor-league baseball team and has expressed interest in hosting a Major League team.
• Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake City is a growing city with a passionate fan base for various sports. The city has a successful minor-league baseball team and has expressed interest in hosting a Major League team.

Predictions for the Next Decade

While it is difficult to predict exactly when or where MLB will expand, those six cities stand out as likely candidates to receive franchises by the end of this decade. Each city has a strong combination of factors that make them attractive expansion markets, including large populations, growing economies, and passionate fan bases.