MLB commissioner Rob Manfred outlines plans for league expansion
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:35 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expects to initiate the league’s expansion process following the completion of a new collective-bargaining agreement. The current agreement is scheduled to expire on December 1, 2026, and league leadership anticipates a successful negotiation. Manfred intends to select two new expansion cities before his planned retirement in January 2029. The league aims to add one franchise on the East Coast and one on the West Coast to improve geographic balance. Potential markets under consideration include Salt Lake City, Nashville, Raleigh, Portland, Orlando, and Montreal. Salt Lake City is currently considered the front-runner due to its prepared ownership group and established stadium funding plans.
- •Rob Manfred intends to select two expansion cities before retiring in January 2029.
- •The expansion process is expected to begin after the new collective-bargaining agreement is finalized.
- •Salt Lake City is viewed as the leading candidate for a new franchise.
- •Nashville, Raleigh, Portland, Orlando, and Montreal are also listed as potential expansion markets.
- 2:35 PMYahoo Sports — Rob Manfred reveals MLB expansion plans as process expected to begin with new CBA
"MLB expansion could be closer than you think.
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