MLB Expansion Eyed for 3 Top Cities

Commissioner Manfred signals league is ready to grow to 32 teams.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball diamond and players in a cubist style, using bold navy, green, and orange colors to conceptually represent the changing dynamics of Major League Baseball.As MLB explores expansion, a cubist interpretation of America's pastime hints at the league's evolving landscape.Las Vegas Today

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has publicly stated the league is considering expanding from 30 to 32 teams. While the specific timeline and locations are still undecided, industry experts believe three cities stand out as the most likely candidates to host new MLB franchises: Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Why it matters

Expansion would mark the first time MLB has added new teams since the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays joined in 1998. It would provide new economic opportunities and fan engagement in the selected cities, while also potentially reshuffling the league's divisional alignments and playoff structure.

The details

With the Tampa Bay Rays nearing a new stadium deal and the Oakland Athletics soon moving to Las Vegas, MLB is seen as eager to capitalize on growing interest in the sport across the country. Industry analysts point to Las Vegas, Portland, and Nashville as the frontrunners for expansion teams due to their large, passionate fan bases, suitable stadium plans, and strategic geographic locations.

  • MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred first publicly discussed expansion plans in 2023.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to finalize a new stadium deal by the end of 2026.
  • The Oakland Athletics are slated to open their new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028.

The players

Rob Manfred

The current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who has openly discussed plans to expand the league from 30 to 32 teams.

Tampa Bay Rays

A Major League Baseball team that is nearing a deal for a new stadium, clearing the way for potential expansion.

Oakland Athletics

A Major League Baseball team that is moving to a new ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada starting in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“Expansion is something that we have talked about and are continuing to evaluate. We think there are a number of cities out there that could sustain an MLB team.”

— Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner

What’s next

MLB officials are expected to further discuss expansion plans at the league's annual winter meetings in December 2026.

The takeaway

With the league's footprint expanding and new stadium deals in the works, MLB appears poised to add two new franchises in the coming years, providing fresh opportunities for baseball fans in growing markets across the United States.