Sacramento, California, is positioning itself as a prime candidate for Major League Baseball’s next expansion, emphasizing its status as the largest U.S. market without an MLB team. With MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred planning to add two expansion teams before his retirement in January 2029, Sacramento is eager to secure one of those spots.
The city has already demonstrated its commitment by raising $1.8 billion for a potential stadium in just four months. Sacramento’s local sports teams, including the NBA’s Kings, USL’s Republic FC, and MiLB’s River Cats, consistently perform well in terms of revenue and attendance, showcasing the city’s strong sports culture.
Rich Baseball Heritage
Sacramento boasts a rich baseball heritage, being the hometown of MLB legends Dusty Baker and Derrek Lee. Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, highlighted the city’s top-20 media market status, which surpasses cities like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Despite California’s glamorous reputation, Sacramento’s potential as a baseball city is often overlooked.
The temporary relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Sacramento has further fueled local enthusiasm for baseball. Broome noted that the community’s reaction to the Athletics’ arrival was overwhelmingly positive, sparking discussions about the possibility of having a permanent MLB team in the city.
Community Support and Future Prospects
Broome believes that Sacramento’s dedicated fan base and proven success with minor-league sports make it an ideal location for an MLB team. The city’s community support and growing momentum around the Athletics demonstrate its readiness for a major league team.
Other cities like Nashville, Austin/San Antonio, Montreal, Charlotte, Orlando, Portland, Raleigh, and Salt Lake City are also in the expansion conversation. However, Broome argues that Sacramento’s track record and vibrant media market make it a compelling choice for MLB expansion.
As Sacramento continues its mission to become an MLB city, the focus remains on pairing the market with an elite ownership group to strengthen its case. The city’s commitment to baseball and its community-driven approach could make it a frontrunner in the MLB expansion race.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
