MLB commissioner Rob Manfred outlines plans for league expansion

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:35 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred outlines plans for league expansion
Summary

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.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • 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.
Latest Updates
  • 2:35 PMYahoo SportsRob Manfred reveals MLB expansion plans as process expected to begin with new CBA
What they're saying
"

MLB expansion could be closer than you think.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days