Major League Baseball has been the pinnacle of professional baseball in North America since its formation in 1901. Over the decades, the league has expanded to its current 30 teams. The most recent additions were the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays (originally the Tampa Bay Devil Rays) in 1998. Now, the Oakland Athletics are moving to Las Vegas in 2028. The Tampa Bay Rays might need to relocate. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated a desire to expand the league to 32 teams before his retirement in 2029. Several cities have emerged as potential candidates, and Austin, Texas, has quickly become a frontrunner. This blog post will explore the possibility of Austin becoming a MLB expansion market. It will examine the city’s demographics, economic growth, and baseball history. It will also look into potential stadium locations and the overall feasibility of a successful franchise in the Texas capital.  

MLB Expansion Plans

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has stated that expansion will not be considered. This will wait until the stadium situations with the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics are resolved. The Athletics’ move to Las Vegas has been approved, with a new $1.5 billion ballpark planned for the site of the Tropicana casino and hotel. However, the Rays’ situation remains uncertain. Despite the Pinellas County Commission approving funding for a new $1.3 billion stadium in St. Petersburg, the Rays are pushing for more financial assistance, claiming that delays have increased costs. If the Rays cannot secure a new stadium deal in Florida, relocation becomes a real possibility. Austin has been named as a potential destination. ESPN has suggested that Austin/San Antonio could be a potential expansion market.  

Austin, Texas: A Prime Location for MLB Expansion?

Austin has many factors working in its favor as a potential MLB expansion city. It is the 11th largest city in the United States. The population is over 960,000. The median age is 34.2. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with a 1.43% increase in population between 2021 and 2022. Notably, Austin is the largest city in the U.S. without a major league sports team. Austin also boasts a strong economy, fueled by the technology, education, and entertainment industries. The city’s GDP grew by 39% over the last five years. This makes it the best-performing economy among the top 50 metros. This economic strength, along with a young and growing population, contributes to making Austin an attractive market for MLB. Additionally, it has a high median household income of $86,556. Furthermore, the city has seen a steady increase in housing. Business applications grew by 41% from 2018 to 2022. The median earnings among Austin residents rose 32% within that same five-year span.  

Austinites enjoy a high quality of life, with a diverse range of incomes. According to recent data, 29% of residents earn over $150,000 annually, while 30% earn between $75,000 and $149,000. This income distribution suggests a substantial portion of the population has the disposable income to support an MLB team.  

Austin has a vibrant cultural scene, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The city’s dynamic entertainment and arts scene could synergize with an MLB team. This collaboration would offer a comprehensive entertainment experience for fans. Austin is also a sports-friendly city. It has a passionate fan base that supports the University of Texas Longhorns. Fans also support Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team.  The Texas Stars of the American Hockey league (AHL) also play in nearby Cedar Park, Texas.

Baseball in Austin

While Austin does not currently have an MLB team, it has a history with the sport. The Round Rock Express, a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are located in the nearby suburb of Round Rock. The Express play their home games at the Dell Diamond, a modern ballpark with a capacity of 11,600. The Express “turn back the clock” every Tuesday night to further engage with the city’s baseball heritage. They transform into the Austin Senators. This team was the original minor league team of Central Texas.  

Austin also has a strong college baseball program at the University of Texas. The Longhorns have won six national championships. They play their home games at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The stadium has a capacity of 7,373 and underwent a major renovation in 2009. In 2019, the university added the J. Dan Brown Family Player Development Center, a state-of-the-art indoor training facility. This commitment to baseball at the collegiate level shows the city’s existing infrastructure. It also highlights the potential for supporting the sport at a professional level.  

However, to fully understand the state of baseball in Austin, we need to look beyond the professional and collegiate levels. Youth baseball programs are thriving, with numerous leagues and organizations catering to young players of all ages and skill levels. Amateur leagues for adults are also popular. They provide opportunities for those who continue to enjoy the sport beyond their school years. Participation in baseball is widespread. It spans from youth leagues to college games. This creates a fertile ground for cultivating a passionate fan base for an MLB team.

Existing MLB Fandom in Austin

While Austinites have shown strong support for local baseball, they also follow existing MLB teams. Interestingly, there’s a geographic divide between Astros and Rangers fans in Texas. The Astros claim the south, while the Dallas-area Texas Rangers claim the north. Austin, despite being closer to the Rangers geographically and hosting their Triple-A affiliate, overwhelmingly supports the Astros. This preference for the Astros could be attributed to their recent success. They won a World Series championship in 2017 and made two other appearances since then. However, the Astros have been present in the area for a long time. Their affiliation with the Round Rock Express from 2000-2010 and 2019 likely contributed to their popularity in Austin.  

Potential Stadium Locations

For an MLB team in Austin, a key challenge would be location. They need to find a suitable spot for a new stadium. The city has several potential sites. These include the area around the existing Dell Diamond in Round Rock , the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg , and downtown Austin.  

Dell Diamond Area: Expanding the existing Dell Diamond site could be a cost-effective option. It leverages existing infrastructure. It could potentially incorporate the current ballpark into a larger complex. However, this location may lack the space for a major league-caliber stadium and associated amenities.

Historic Gas Plant District: This site, while located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is being considered as part of the Rays’ stadium negotiations. If the Rays relocate to Austin, this site could potentially be repurposed for a new stadium in the Texas capital. However, acquiring and developing this land would likely be a complex and expensive undertaking.

Downtown Austin: Building a stadium in downtown Austin would place the team in the heart of the city. This location would maximize accessibility and integrate it into the urban core. However, land acquisition costs in downtown Austin are high. There may be limited space available for a large stadium complex.

A new stadium would likely need to have a retractable roof to accommodate Austin’s hot and humid summers. This would allow for comfortable playing conditions for both players and fans throughout the season.  

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the many positives, there are also challenges and obstacles to Austin becoming an MLB expansion market. One major concern is competition from other cities, such as Nashville, Charlotte, and Portland. These cities also have strong economies, growing populations, and a passion for baseball. Another challenge is the potential impact on existing minor league baseball teams in Texas, such as the Round Rock Express. An MLB team in Austin could potentially draw fans away from these teams, impacting their attendance and revenue.  

Furthermore, a new MLB team would have to compete with the University of Texas for fan attention and corporate sponsorships. The Longhorns have a large and dedicated fan base. Securing corporate support in a market already dominated by college sports could be challenging.  

Potential Impact on Minor League Baseball

MLB expansion could significantly impact the minor leagues. It could potentially lead to realignment and the creation of new teams. As the league expands, the existing minor league system may need to be adjusted to accommodate the new franchises. This could involve shifting affiliations, relocating teams, or even creating entirely new minor league clubs.  

Economic and Cultural Impact of an MLB Team

An MLB expansion team in Austin could have a significant economic and cultural impact on the city. The presence of a major league franchise would likely boost tourism. Fans would travel from across the state and beyond to attend games. This influx of visitors would generate revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. Additionally, building a new stadium would create many jobs. The team’s ongoing operation would also generate numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities.  

Culturally, an MLB team could further enhance Austin’s identity as a vibrant and dynamic city. The team would become a source of civic pride, uniting residents and creating a shared sense of community. The games themselves would provide a new form of entertainment and cultural experience, adding to the city’s already rich offerings.

Expert Opinions

Experts and stakeholders in the baseball industry have expressed mixed opinions. They are discussing the possibility of Austin becoming an MLB expansion market. Derrik Fox is the co-founder of the Austin Baseball Commission. He believes Austin is a prime location for MLB expansion. He cites its population and density. He also mentions Austin’s average household income and potential for fan engagement. He argues that “Austin is better than in every meaningful way to measure it.”  

However, others have raised concerns. Jason Gindele, founder of Austin MLB, acknowledges the city’s strengths but cautions that MLB expansion may be years away. He emphasizes the need for long-term commitment. He insists on careful planning. He states that “cities vying for a team have to be in this for the long haul.” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell is optimistic about Austin’s chances. He highlights the importance of community support. A strong ownership group is also crucial.  

Comparisons to Other Successful MLB Expansion Markets

Austin can be compared to other successful MLB expansion markets, such as Denver, Colorado, and Phoenix, Arizona. Denver, like Austin, has a rich baseball history, with minor league teams dating back to 1885. The city made several attempts to attract an MLB team before finally being awarded a franchise in 1991. The Colorado Rockies began play in 1993 and have since become a beloved institution in the city.  

Phoenix also has a long history with baseball, with minor league teams playing in the city since the early 1900s. The city’s close ties to the major leagues through spring training were influential. Local boosters also played a role. This eventually led to the Arizona Diamondbacks being awarded a franchise in 1995. The Diamondbacks began play in 1998 and quickly achieved success, winning the World Series in 2001.  

City	Year Awarded Franchise	Year Began Play	Playoff Appearances	World Series Appearances	Championships
Denver	1991	1993	5	1	0
Phoenix	1995	1998	6	1	1
Austin	–	–	–	–	–

Cities with strong community support can achieve success with MLB expansion. Suitable stadium locations and a passionate fan base are also crucial. Austin shares many similarities with Denver and Phoenix, including growing populations, strong economies, and a passion for sports.

Potential for Success

An MLB team in Austin has the potential to be successful. This success is based on factors such as fan interest, media market size, and corporate sponsorship opportunities. Austin’s growing population and strong economy suggest a large potential fan base. The city’s media market is ranked 34th in the United States by Nielsen. It has a population of approximately 2,284,400 and 1,029,800 television households. However, in terms of total monthly visitors, Austin ranks much higher, with several publications attracting millions of visitors. This suggests a strong media presence and potential for reaching a large audience.  

Austin also has a thriving business community, with numerous corporate sponsorship opportunities available. The city’s strong economic growth and the presence of major corporations provide a fertile ground for securing sponsorships and partnerships. Austin’s vibrant cultural scene and a potential MLB team could work together. They could create a unique and attractive entertainment experience for fans. This synergy further enhances the city’s appeal to corporate sponsors.  

Conclusion

Austin, Texas, has emerged as a strong contender for an MLB expansion franchise. The city has many factors working in its favor. These include a growing and affluent population. It has a robust and diverse economy, a vibrant cultural scene, and a passionate sports fan base. Austin’s existing baseball infrastructure includes the Round Rock Express and the University of Texas Longhorns. This infrastructure demonstrates the city’s capacity for supporting the sport.

However, challenges remain. Other cities present competition. The potential impact on existing minor league teams must be considered. Securing significant funding and building a state-of-the-art stadium are crucial factors. Furthermore, navigating the existing MLB landscape in Texas will require careful planning. Coexisting with the dominant presence of the University of Texas requires strategic decision-making.

Despite these challenges, Austin’s strengths cannot be ignored. If the city can effectively leverage its resources, it will strengthen its position. Building community consensus is crucial. Securing a strong ownership group is essential. These steps will help Austin become a thriving MLB market. This will add to the league’s growth and expand its reach in a dynamic and rapidly evolving region.