Major League Baseball Will Expand to 32 Teams

Commissioner Rob Manfred intends to add two new franchises to the league before his scheduled retirement in 2029.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a baseball batter in mid-swing, using navy and mustard colors, representing league expansion. — Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred plans to expand the league to 32 teams, with new franchises to be finalized by 2029. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Major League Baseball is preparing for a significant expansion to 32 teams. Commissioner Rob Manfred aims to finalize the selection of two new host cities before he retires in 2029.

Why it matters

The expansion effort is designed to increase employment opportunities for players and generate substantial new revenue for existing team owners through significant expansion fees.

Expansion teams are expected to cost $3 billion each, yielding a $200 million payout for every current team owner. This represents a massive increase from the $130 million per team fee established during the 1998 expansion.

The players

Rob Manfred

He is the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and is responsible for overseeing the league's expansion plans before his retirement.

Larry H. Miller Company

This organization has pledged $3.5 billion toward a massive development project in Salt Lake City to support a potential MLB team.

Marc Lasry

He is a prominent investor who has expressed interest in the Raleigh expansion project for a new baseball franchise.

The details

The league's expansion committee is currently evaluating potential host cities based on site availability, stadium funding packages, and the strength of local ownership groups. Salt Lake City has emerged as a frontrunner with a $3.5 billion development pledge from the Larry H. Miller Company and $900 million in state support, while Raleigh remains a contender despite North Carolina officials declining to provide $500 million for a stadium.

The last MLB expansion occurred in 1998.
Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to retire in 2029.

Season Trajectory

This move represents a departure from the long-standing 30-team format established by the 1998 Major League Baseball expansion. Adding two franchises would fundamentally reshape the league's competitive divisions and playoff qualification landscape.

The entry of two new franchises will force a major realignment of the league's divisions, likely changing team schedules and regional rivalries. Existing owners stand to gain $200 million each, which may influence future team payroll budgets and league-wide revenue sharing.

The takeaway

The league is prioritizing financial sustainability by seeking cities with robust stadium funding and private investment. This expansion will significantly alter the map of professional baseball, shifting the league's footprint for the first time in over three decades.