Major League Baseball is moving closer to expanding from 30 to 32 teams, with Vancouver, Sacramento, and other cities positioning themselves as viable candidates. A group led by developer Zack Ross in Vancouver has city council support and is targeting land on False Creek’s south shore, with early interest from high-profile figures like actor Ryan Reynolds and the ownership group of the NFL’s 49ers. Meanwhile, Sacramento is leveraging its temporary hosting of the Athletics to prove market viability, with local developer Mark Friedman leading a bid that includes $800 million in private investment and access to $1 billion in public funds. The city is considering redeveloping the West Sacramento site where the A’s currently play.

On the stadium front, the Tampa Bay Rays have reached a nonbinding agreement with local governments to build a $2.3 billion domed stadium near Raymond James Stadium, though political support remains uncertain. MLB leadership, including Commissioner Rob Manfred, has indicated a preference for geographic balance in expansion, likely pairing a Western team with an Eastern one. This could mean competition between cities like Vancouver, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Portland. Expansion is not yet guaranteed, as MLB wants the A’s and Rays to resolve their long-term stadium situations first.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026, and expansion could become a topic in negotiations. While no formal decision has been made, the league appears to be laying the groundwork for growth, with Manfred aiming to advance the process before his expected departure in 2029. The success of these bids will depend on securing lead investors, public support, and alignment with MLB’s strategic vision for market growth and revenue expansion.