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MLB Expansion: Potential Cities and Obstacles
Austin/San Antonio (Texas)
City population: 961,855 (Austin); 1,434,625 (San Antonio) Metro area population: 2,421,115 (Austin); 2,655,342 (San Antonio) TV market rank: 35 (Austin); 31 (San Antonio)
Case for Austin/San Antonio: Austin, a tech hub with a growing population, and San Antonio, a city with proximity to Austin, are strong contenders for an MLB team. Austin FC’s success in MLS showcases the area’s potential for professional sports.
Obstacles: Lack of a local ambassador and competition from the Houston Astros may hinder the cities’ chances of landing a team.
Charlotte, North Carolina
City population: 874,579 Metro area population: 2,756,069 TV market rank: 21
Case for Charlotte: Charlotte’s thriving sports scene and population size make it a viable location for an MLB team. However, competition from Nashville could pose a challenge.
Obstacles: Nashville’s strong interest in MLB expansion and geographic proximity may impact Charlotte’s bid for a team.
Mexico City
City population: 9,209,944 Metro area population: 21,804,515 TV market rank: N/A
Case for Mexico City: Mexico City’s large population, baseball culture, and success in hosting MLB games make it a compelling option for expansion.
Obstacles: Challenges include revenue limitations, high crime rates, and geographic distance from U.S. cities.
Montreal
City population: 1,762,949 Metro area population: 4,291,732 TV market rank: N/A
Case for Montreal: Montreal’s history with baseball, market size, and strong community support position it as a leading candidate for an MLB team.
Obstacles: Past bid failures and timing issues may impact Montreal’s chances of securing a team.
Nashville, Tennessee
City population: 689,447 Metro area population: 2,046,715 TV market rank: 27
Case for Nashville: Nashville’s sports culture, population growth, and existing infrastructure make it a promising location for MLB expansion.
Obstacles: Potential competition from nearby MLB teams and concerns about fan base division could affect Nashville’s bid.
Orlando, Florida
City population: 307,573 Metro area population: 2,764,182 TV market rank: 17
Case for Orlando: Orlando’s size, sports history, and tourist appeal make it an attractive choice for an MLB team.
Obstacles: Previous struggles of Florida-based MLB teams and concerns about oversaturation in the state may hinder Orlando’s bid.
Portland, Oregon
City population: 652,503 Metro area population: 2,509,140 TV market rank: 22
Case for Portland: Portland’s market size, sports culture, and potential for regional rivalries position it as a strong contender for MLB expansion.
Obstacles: Ownership concerns and questions about Portland’s baseball fandom could impact its chances of landing a team.
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Raleigh, North Carolina
City population: 467,665
Metro area population: 1,484,338
TV market rank: 23
Nickname and Stadium Possibilities
The “Bring MLB to Raleigh” group prefers the “919” area code logo and black-and-white color scheme. Potential team names include Raleigh Capitals. The preferred stadium location is an 80-acre site near PNC Arena.
Case for Raleigh
Raleigh boasts a growing population, high median income, and strong market viability metrics. With vocal government support and a passionate community movement, Raleigh is a promising MLB expansion market.
Potential Hurdles
Nashville is a strong competitor, and corporate support may be a concern. However, the rich baseball culture in the Triangle region could bolster Raleigh’s bid for an MLB team.
San Jose, California
City population: 971,265
Metro area population: 1,938,524
TV market rank: 10
Potential Nicknames and Stadium Location
Potential team names for San Jose include Spirit, Bees, Sol, and Innovators. The proposed stadium location is near South Montgomery Street and Park Avenue in downtown San Jose.
Case for San Jose
San Jose’s tech hub and economic prowess make it a lucrative MLB expansion market. With major revenue opportunities and the A’s potentially leaving Oakland, San Jose presents a compelling case for an MLB team.
Potential Obstacles
Territorial rights held by the San Francisco Giants pose a challenge for an MLB team in San Jose. Despite past legal efforts, securing approval for an MLB franchise remains a hurdle for the city.
Salt Lake City
City population: 199,723
Metro area population: 1,266,191
TV market rank: 29
Potential Nicknames and Stadium Location
Possible team names include Pioneers, Bison, Outlaws, and Saints. The proposed stadium location is The Power District, a 100-acre site near downtown Salt Lake City.
Case for Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s track record of successful projects and strong community support make it an attractive MLB expansion market. With a shovel-ready ballpark site and proven ownership group, Salt Lake City is a compelling choice for MLB.
Potential Challenges
Salt Lake City’s sports community is robust, but market size may be a concern. Convincing MLB decision-makers of the city’s potential as a baseball town could be a hurdle. The temporary presence of the Oakland Athletics could expedite the process.
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