Summary
Major League Baseball (MLB) is planning to add two new teams, increasing from 30 to 32 franchises. The top three cities likely to get a new MLB team by 2026 are Nashville, Portland, and Charlotte, based on their growth and interest in baseball.
Key Facts
- MLB currently has 30 teams but aims to expand to 32.
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred supports expansion.
- Nashville is a fast-growing city with strong college baseball programs and a ready project team.
- Portland is a northwest city that's actively pursuing an MLB franchise and could become a rival to the Seattle Mariners.
- Charlotte has a solid college baseball presence and is ready for a professional team.
- Teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics are moving to new stadiums, making expansion more likely after upcoming collective bargaining talks.
- Atlanta Braves have been the main team for southern U.S. baseball fans, but Charlotte could attract local support.
