Why Salt Lake City Is the Front‑Runner for MLB Expansion
Major League Baseball is edging closer to adding two new franchises, with the league’s leadership targeting a decision by January 2029 and debut seasons in 2032 or 2033.
Among the cities under consideration, Salt Lake City has emerged as the most frequently cited front‑runner, praised for its ready‑made infrastructure and enthusiastic local backing.
USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale has repeatedly described the Utah capital as a "lock" for an expansion franchise, while The Athletic and Forbes have labeled it a "turnkey" option compared to other contenders.
The Larry H. Miller Company, a Utah‑based conglomerate that already controls the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals FC, is spearheading a $3.5 billion mixed‑use development in the city’s Power District. The project includes a site earmarked for a state‑of‑the‑art MLB ballpark.
Dale Murphy, a Hall‑of‑Fame‑caliber former player and beloved Utah native, and Gail Miller, a key figure in the Miller sports portfolio, have publicly voiced their commitment to bringing a major‑league team to the state.
The company’s extensive local sports footprint — spanning basketball, soccer and minor‑league baseball — demonstrates a deep‑rooted dedication to professional athletics in Utah, reinforcing the notion that the market is both viable and eager.
While Nashville remains a strong competitor, analysts such as Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Buster Olney and David Cone have highlighted Salt Lake City’s logistical advantages and robust public support as decisive factors.
Dave Checketts, a Utah sports executive, has gone so far as to rank the city as the top choice in the western United States for an expansion franchise.
If the expansion proceeds as planned, the new Utah franchise would join the league’s western division, potentially reshaping regional rivalries and boosting regional sports economies.