MLB commissioner signals interest in adding two future expansion teams

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:21 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

MLB commissioner signals interest in adding two future expansion teams
Summary

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred intends to pursue the addition of two expansion teams before his planned retirement in 2029. Current league priorities remain focused on resolving stadium issues for the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. With progress underway on a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Athletics nearing a move to Las Vegas, the league is expected to pivot toward expansion soon. The potential addition would aim to balance divisions and return to a growth model not seen since the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins joined in 1993. Five cities are currently identified as prospective candidates for hosting new major-league clubs. The league is also working through a new collective bargaining agreement, which serves as a prerequisite for any formal expansion proceedings.

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By the Numbers
  • Rob Manfred plans to add two expansion teams before retiring in 2029.
  • Stadium projects for the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are the current priority.
  • The league has not expanded since the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays joined in 1998.
  • Five cities are currently identified as potential locations for new franchises.
  • A pending collective bargaining agreement must be settled before expansion moves forward.
Latest Updates
  • 11:21 PMYahoo Sports5 Cities Vying to be MLB’s Newest Expansion Team
What they're saying
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MLB’s new collective bargaining agreement is currently being worked out, so it seems unlikely that expansion teams will be introduced […]

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