MLB Expansion: 32 Teams and the Future of Major League Baseball
MLB is rumored to be on the verge of expanding to 32 teams, with plans under Commissioner Rob Manfred. However, the timeline and specific locations for these new expansion teams remain unclear. This article delves into the reasons why expansion is a near-certainty and assesses the potential implications for the league.
Expansion is Coming, When and Where?
As prominent as the discussion around expansion is, it's not a surprise to those familiar with MLB's history. Rob Manfred, the current Commissioner, has openly discussed the possibility in light of the complications surrounding the Oakland Athletics (OAK) and Tampa Bay Rays. The Athletics' situation is particularly complex, as owner/executive office Bob Melvin has stated he will not return to Oakland. This scenario would guarantee an expansion team in the region.
The eastern US currently faces a decision between Nashville or Montreal. The American Association for MLB provides expansion franchises for these cities, making expansion appear imminent. However, the exact timing and location will depend on resolving the Athletics' and Rays' stadium situations. Given the Athletics' plan for a new stadium, expansion appears likely in 2028, but this date is not set in stone.
Why MLB Wants to Expand
MLB's expansion plans are driven by a variety of factors, with the primary driver being financial. With the league facing attendance challenges, increasing TV revenue sharing among more teams is a logical step. The Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, for example, both had attendance under 20,000 per game in recent years, putting them on par with hockey and basketball. This data suggests that more teams would mean more sharing of the existing TV revenue, a critical consideration in the current media landscape.
The consistent drop in attendance, particularly among key franchises like the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, further highlights the need for expansion. These teams have seen significant drops in attendance, with the Blue Jays falling from 4 million in 2015 to the low 20,000 range now, and the Cleveland Indians experiencing a similar decline. This trend indicates a shift in how fans are engaging with live sports, and MLB must adapt to remain relevant.
Challenges and Considerations
While expansion is a logical step, it also comes with challenges and considerations. One significant issue is the reluctance to build new stadiums in many cities. Public funding for stadiums has become less accessible, and the unique dimensions of a baseball field make creating multi-use stadiums more challenging. This challenge can be seen in the popularity of baseball-specific facilities like Jacobs Field in Cleveland or Camden Yards in Baltimore, which have proven to be successful but only when the stadiums are full.
Another concern is the impact on team rosters and salaries. Adding more teams means more players and staff, which would require more revenue sharing and likely result in a larger minimum salary and roster size. The increased number of players could lead to a decrease in the number of starting pitchers, as well as longer game durations, potentially detracting from the viewing experience.
Conclusion
While the exact details of expansion are still being worked out, it is clear that MLB is heading towards a total of 32 teams. The issues surrounding the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays will determine which cities will see new expansion teams, and the timeline for these additions will depend on the resolution of these stadium disputes. Expansion is inevitable, but it brings with it the challenge of maintaining fan engagement in an era of on-demand viewing and financial constraints.