California’s capital region has officially launched its campaign to secure a Major League Baseball expansion franchise.
Area officials announced their formal proposal on Thursday, presenting what they’ve called “The Sacramento Pitch” through the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. The proposal highlights a “fully entitled 50-acre stadium site” backed by approximately $2 billion in combined public and private financing, plus land assets.
“When MLB moves forward on expansion, Sacramento will be impossible to ignore,” said Mark Friedman, founder and chairman of Fulcrum Property and board chair of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council.
“We have the market, the site, the capital, and the community. Sacramento is ready to compete — and Sacramento is ready to win,” Friedman said.
The Sacramento region ranks as the nation’s 20th largest media market. Among all markets larger than Sacramento, Orlando-Daytona Beach stands as the only area without a Major League Baseball franchise.
Currently, the Athletics are using West Sacramento, California as their home base for the second consecutive year. The team plays at Sutter Health Park, a minor-league facility serving as their interim venue while their new Las Vegas ballpark undergoes construction, scheduled for completion in 2028.
“This is a defining moment for West Sacramento, and we’re ready,” West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero said in a news release. “Major League Baseball is already seeing firsthand the passion, energy, and civic pride that exists here. This region offers a practical and achievable path for long-term MLB success, and we have the financial capacity, community support, and clear vision needed to bring Major League Baseball permanently to West Sacramento. We’re built for this. We’re ready. Bring it on.”
Initial development plans suggest building the new stadium at or adjacent to the current Sutter Health Park location.
The campaign features support from notable baseball figures, including former San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker and former MLB player and Sacramento native Derrek Lee, alongside political leaders.
“I have always believed Sacramento is a major league city. Throughout my career, I’ve traveled across the country, and there’s something different about the people here. This community truly loves baseball,” Baker said in a news release. “For more than a century, this region has built a proud baseball legacy and developed generations of Major League Baseball players. I could not be more excited for the prospect of bringing a permanent MLB team here.”
Major League Baseball hasn’t added new teams since 1998, when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay (then-Devil) Rays joined the league.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated his goal to select two expansion locations by 2029, with one franchise planned for the western United States and another for the eastern region.
