A New Frontier for Baseball
Salt Lake City is being hailed as the most likely destination for Major League Baseball’s next expansion franchise, according to a recent USA Today column by veteran reporter Bob Nightengale. The city’s bid is supported by the Miller family, who have proposed a $1.8 billion stadium complex and secured $900 million in public funding.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has repeatedly said the league hopes to grow to 32 teams before he steps down in 2029, turning every major market into a potential landing spot. The proposal fits neatly into a broader “Power District” vision aimed at revitalizing downtown Salt Lake City.
The path forward, however, is not without obstacles. In Tampa Bay, the Rays have unveiled a $2.3 billion stadium plan that would also draw more than $900 million from public sources, a deal that received a non‑binding endorsement from the Tampa City Council.
Funding the Vision
Florida’s contemplated property‑tax reform threatens to siphon more than $461 million annually from Hillsborough County, adding fiscal pressure to the Rays’ financing puzzle. Meanwhile, Portland, Oregon, is another contender, with the Portland Diamond Project pitching a $2 billion ballpark and securing $800 million in public funding. Governor Tina Kotek has voiced support for a “jock tax” that could help fund the venture.
Austin’s bid has stalled, lacking a concrete stadium proposal or legislative action, leaving the city on the sidelines as the competition sharpens. Back in Utah, the state legislature is prepared to front the Millers $900 million for the Salt Lake stadium, a move that could clear the final financing obstacle and bring the franchise to the Beehive State.