$4bn MLB expansion race takes fresh twist with foreign city ready to build new ballpark

Vancouver is pushing hard for one of the two MLB expansion spots.

Rob Manfred’s term as commissioner is up in 2029 and he is keen to add two new teams as a parting gift.

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Seattle, Portland and Salt Lake City are among the favorites, with the move set to net MLB around $2.1 billion per new franchise.

The City of Vancouver is determined to muscle in, however, and confirmed a partnership with The Show Vancouver Bid Corporation.

“The submission was evaluated against the qualification criteria established in the RFEOI, including financial capacity, relevant expertise, governance structure and the proposed approach to pursuing an MLB expansion franchise,” stated the release from the City of Vancouver.

A Memorandum of Understanding will see TSV explore ballpark sites to further a potential bid.

“TSV will be responsible for all costs and financial risks associated with preparing and advancing its MLB bid,” the statement noted.

The City added: “Any future project agreements, site selection, land use decisions, development approvals, lease arrangements or other related matters would be subject to future Council consideration and approval.”

TSV was founded by Zack Ross — the president of Vancouver-based real estate development company Cape Group.

The new ballpark will form part of a larger development to transform an area of the city.

“Vancouver is my home and it is one of the great cities in the world, and we deserve a Major League Baseball team,” Ross said.

“Our vision is a world-class MLB franchise anchored by a landmark ballpark and mixed-use real estate development at an iconic site, creating a destination that generates economic activity, civic pride, and community benefit for generations.

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“This is a significant moment in the process to successfully bring an MLB team to Vancouver and we thank the city for the effort they put into this selection process.”

CAA Icon, Populous, and Gensler have been brought on board to help with the project, along with sports franchise and facility development professionals.

“The selection of a preferred bid team marks an important step in exploring the potential for Major League Baseball in Vancouver, Bridgitte Anderson, president and chief executive of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, added.

“Major sports franchises can serve as significant economic drivers, generating investment, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

“They also contribute to the overall vitality and competitiveness of a region by enhancing its profile as a destination to live, work, visit, and invest.

“We look forward to seeing this work continue and to learning more about the opportunities a potential MLB franchise could create for Vancouver and the broader regional economy.”

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Rob Manfred’s MLB expansion timeline

Manfred’s next priority is getting new ballparks over the line for the A’s and Tampa Bay Rays.

Then thoughts will turn to growing the league, with a realignment likely.

“I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign,” he revealed.

“I think we could save a lot of wear and tear on our players in terms of travel.

“And I think our postseason format would be even more appealing for entities like ESPN, because you’d be playing out of the East and out of the West.”