MLB Expansion Team Odds: Which Cities Have the Best Chance?
Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez
Published: Thu Sep 10, 2026, 10:00 am ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
Misc.
Nashville leads the latest MLB odds for the next expansion team, according to BetOnline. However, the expansion race could involve two separate battles.
MLB intends to expand from 30 to 32 teams, adding two franchises. That approach would allow the league to maintain balance between the American League and National League.
Nashville currently leads the BetOnline market at 2/3 (-150). Salt Lake City follows at 5/2 (+250), while Montreal sits at 5/1 (+500).
Raleigh, Portland and Orlando complete the market at 6/1 (+600), 9/1 (+900) and 16/1 (+1600), respectively. Yet the odds do not mean every city competes directly against Nashville.
MLB will likely want geographic balance when selecting its two expansion markets. That creates an important distinction between the candidates, particularly in the Western race.
Nashville (2/3 | -150) Leads the MLB Expansion Market | BetOnline
Nashville holds the shortest price in the current MLB odds. BetOnline lists the Tennessee city at 2/3 (-150) to land an expansion franchise.
The market's confidence reflects Nashville's growing population and established sports culture. The metropolitan area has more than two million residents and continues to expand.
The city also supports the Titans, Predators and Nashville SC. Those franchises have helped create a strong professional sports market.
Music City Baseball has also spent years pursuing MLB. Meanwhile, the Triple-A Nashville Sounds provide an established baseball presence.
Nashville therefore offers MLB a combination of population growth, sports interest and baseball infrastructure. Its biggest advantage may be its broad national profile.
Salt Lake City (5/2 | +250) Has a Shovel-Ready Case | BetOnline
Salt Lake City sits second at 5/2 (+250). However, its position deserves more attention than the odds alone suggest.
Unlike some competing markets, Salt Lake City has developed a highly concrete stadium and funding proposal. The Big League Utah effort has backing from the Larry H. Miller Company.
The proposal also includes an already secured site in the Power District. In addition, Utah has committed roughly $900 million in state-backed infrastructure support connected to the development.
That gives Salt Lake City a significant advantage in terms of readiness. An ownership group, stadium location and infrastructure support could help MLB move quickly.
The city could fill a Western geographic slot. Therefore, Salt Lake City does not necessarily need to beat Nashville directly.
Portland (9/1 | +900) and Salt Lake City Could Battle for the West | BetOnline
Portland sits at 9/1 (+900) in the latest BetOnline odds. Its position makes more sense when viewed alongside Salt Lake City's candidacy.
MLB could add one Western team alongside an Eastern team. Consequently, Portland and Salt Lake City could primarily compete for the same geographic opportunity.
The Portland Diamond Project has pursued MLB for years. The city's metropolitan area also exceeds 2.5 million residents.
Oregon has explored significant public funding for a potential MLB stadium. Portland also has an established sports culture through the Trail Blazers, Timbers and Thorns.
However, Salt Lake City's existing site and financial commitments could give it a stronger position. Portland would need to close that readiness gap.
Montreal (5/1 | +500) Remains a Strong Eastern Option | BetOnline
Montreal carries 5/1 (+500) odds and could become a leading Eastern candidate.
The city already has an MLB history through the former Expos franchise. It also offers a metropolitan population of roughly 4.4 million.
A return to Montreal would restore MLB baseball to a major Canadian market. The city's previous franchise also provides an established connection with baseball fans.
Still, Montreal faces questions surrounding ownership and stadium infrastructure. Those concerns make its path less concrete than some rival proposals.
Raleigh (6/1 | +600) Brings a Growing Market | BetOnline
Raleigh is priced at 6/1 (+600) and provides another potentially attractive Eastern market.
The broader Research Triangle offers access to a rapidly growing population. It also has major universities, technology companies and an expanding professional sports audience.
Tom Dundon has emerged as a prominent figure behind the area's MLB push. His involvement provides additional financial credibility to the potential bid.
However, Raleigh still needs to address stadium and funding questions. Those issues could become increasingly important as MLB evaluates expansion proposals.
Orlando (16/1 | +1600) Remains the Biggest Long Shot | BetOnline
Orlando rounds out the BetOnline market at 16/1 (+1600). Despite those odds, the city offers MLB considerable commercial potential.
The broader Orlando region has a large and growing population. Its tourism industry could also create significant commercial opportunities for an MLB franchise.
The Orlando Dreamers have promoted a potential stadium project near SeaWorld. However, funding remains a significant obstacle.
That challenge leaves Orlando behind the leading candidates. It also makes the city's current 16/1 (+1600) price understandable.
Two Expansion Slots Could Change the MLB Odds
The latest MLB odds make Nashville the clear favorite. However, the two-team expansion plan adds important context to the market.
MLB could seek one new franchise in each league while maintaining geographic balance. That would create separate competitive dynamics among the potential expansion markets.
Nashville could compete primarily for an Eastern opportunity. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City and Portland could battle for a Western slot.
Salt Lake City's 5/2 (+250) price therefore deserves particular attention. Its reported $900 million in state-backed infrastructure support and secured Power District site provide tangible advantages.
For bettors comparing US online sportsbooks, those factors could prove more meaningful than market popularity. MLB's eventual selection process will ultimately weigh stadium readiness, ownership and market strength.
For now, Nashville has the strongest position on the board. Yet Salt Lake City may have the most advanced expansion package among the Western candidates.
Ready to follow the MLB expansion race? Check out BetOnline for the latest MLB picks, odds, and betting lines.
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Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.
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