Overview

• Commissioner Rob Manfred recently said expansion would create a chance to realign geographically, reiterating his aim to reach 32 teams before his 2029 departure.
• An Associated Press proposal organizes clubs into geographic conferences with big- and small-market divisions, assuming expansion franchises in Nashville and Salt Lake City start in a small-market group.
• Reporting citing club officials suggests expansion could end the 162-game schedule, with a 156-game format outlined as a potential model to reduce travel and add rest.
• Raleigh has emerged in coverage as an active contender, backed by Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon’s $1.1 billion PNC Arena–area redevelopment that includes public and private funding.
• MLB has not opened an official bid process, with media reports pointing to a possible RFP in Q2 2026 and owners’ votes in 2027, contingent on resolving existing ballpark issues for the Athletics and Rays.