Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Sacramento Launches MLB Expansion Bid With $1.8 Billion Stadium War Chest
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4

Sacramento Launches MLB Expansion Bid With $1.8 Billion Stadium War Chest

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 4

Summary

  • $1.8 billion was raised in four months as Sacramento formally entered the race for one of MLB's two planned expansion teams.
  • MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he wants to add two clubs before retiring in January 2029, giving the largest U.S. market without a team a defined opening.
  • The Athletics' temporary move to Sacramento through 2028 helped spark the push, with local leaders saying fans first asked whether the club could stay permanently.
  • Sacramento is pitching its case with top-20 media-market size, strong attendance and revenue for the Kings, Republic FC and River Cats, and a proposed stadium site now occupied by the River Cats.
  • The bid still hinges on pairing that market case with an elite ownership group as Sacramento competes with cities including Nashville, Charlotte, Portland and Salt Lake City.

Insights

Can Sacramento's $1.8B war chest and A's 'audition' upset front-runners Nashville and Salt Lake City for an MLB team?
Sacramento has stadium funds, but can it find an owner to pay the staggering $2.5 billion MLB expansion fee?