In a revealing interview that sheds light on Major League Baseball's future expansion plans, San Diego Padres President and CEO Erik Greupner has openly discussed his preferred locations for new MLB franchises, presenting a compelling vision for the sport's growth.
The Expansion Blueprint
Greupner, speaking candidly about baseball's potential expansion beyond its current 30-team structure, identified several key markets that could successfully host new MLB teams. His insights come as baseball continues to explore opportunities for domestic and international growth.
Top Domestic Contenders
The Padres executive highlighted Nashville, Tennessee, as a particularly promising candidate for expansion. "Nashville is a tremendous sports market," Greupner noted, emphasising the city's growing population and strong sports culture that could readily embrace professional baseball.
Another North American city receiving endorsement was Montreal, where Greupner suggested the return of the Montreal Expos could capture both nostalgia and new fan engagement. The Expos previously played in the city from 1969 until 2004 before relocating to Washington, D.C.
International Ambitions
Perhaps most intriguingly, Greupner voiced strong support for London as a potential MLB destination. "I think London would be a tremendous market for Major League Baseball," he stated, pointing to the success of previous MLB games played in the British capital and the growing appetite for baseball among European sports fans.
Strategic Expansion Considerations
The discussion around expansion comes with important logistical considerations. Greupner emphasised that any expansion would likely involve adding two new teams simultaneously to maintain balanced scheduling and league structure.
While expressing his personal preferences, the Padres president acknowledged that expansion decisions ultimately rest with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the league's ownership committee. The process involves careful evaluation of market viability, stadium possibilities, and long-term sustainability.
The Future of Baseball
Greupner's comments reflect baseball's ongoing efforts to grow the sport's global footprint while strengthening its presence in untapped domestic markets. As MLB continues to explore expansion possibilities, cities like London, Nashville, and Montreal remain at the forefront of discussions about where America's pastime might plant new roots in the coming years.
The interview provides valuable insight into how baseball executives are thinking about the sport's future and which markets show the most promise for supporting successful MLB franchises in an increasingly competitive sports entertainment landscape.
