Sacramento, West Sacramento officially launch MLB Expansion Bid

Sacramento officially entered the Major League Baseball expansion conversation on Thursday, unveiling an ambitious plan to bring an MLB franchise to the region through a massive public-private partnership centered in West Sacramento.

According to a report from Forbes reporter Maury Brown, a new organization called “The Sacramento Pitch” has been formed to lead the effort, with local developer Mark Friedman serving as chairman alongside West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero and Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty as honorary co-chairs.

“When MLB moves forward on expansion, Sacramento will be impossible to ignore,” Friedman said, according to Brown’s report. “We have the market, the site, the capital, and the community. Sacramento is ready to compete, and Sacramento is ready to win.”

Big day for Sacramento. pic.twitter.com/a7SLtoQv1T

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) May 28, 2026

More on Sacramento’s MLB Expansion Bid Announcement

The proposed ballpark would be built in the River District, just south of Sutter Health Park, on a fully entitled 50-acre mixed-use development site. Brown reported the overall investment tied to the project could approach $2 billion, including $800 million in land and private investment and another $1 billion expected through tax increment financing, hotel fees, and other funding sources.

Brown also reported that the United Auburn Indian Community and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians are expected to contribute a combined $500 million toward the project, while current land equity tied to Sutter Health Park accounts for another $300 million.

The effort includes several notable Sacramento-area figures, including Sacramento natives Dusty Baker (legendary former manager and MLB player) and Derrek Lee (former MLB All-Star), as well as Sacramento Kings COO Matina Kolokotronis and former Pittsburgh Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy.

As part of the proposal, Sutter Health Park–currently home to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats and temporarily hosting the Athletics through the 2027 season–would eventually be razed and replaced by a new MLB stadium and surrounding entertainment district.

Brown noted that the Kings, who own both the River Cats and the stadium, are actively involved in the expansion effort.

(The Sacramento Pitch)

While the infrastructure and financing plans are beginning to take shape, Sacramento still lacks a controlling ownership group. Friedman acknowledged that the expansion push is searching for a lead investor with “a billion dollars in liquidity” who can provide both financial backing and credibility with MLB ownership.

“We’re not just looking for somebody with money,” Friedman said, according to Forbes. “We’re looking for somebody with credibility — somebody who the league wants as a partner.”

According to The Athletic‘s reporter Evan Drellich, Thursday’s announcement represents the formal launch of Sacramento’s campaign to attract both MLB and a deep-pocketed owner capable of leading the franchise.

“It’s true that Sacramento will be perceived as an underdog,” Friedman told The Athletic. “But when the facts come out, I think we’ve got not only a strong argument, but a winning case.”

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has previously indicated the league hopes to identify expansion cities by 2029, with one likely coming from the western United States. Sacramento is expected to compete with cities including Portland, Salt Lake City, and Vancouver.

Sacramento officials believe the region’s population growth, television market size, corporate base, and shovel-ready stadium site could ultimately make the area one of MLB’s strongest expansion candidates in the West.

Time will tell how the bid takes shape, but it’s clear that Sacramento is ready to fight for a seat at the table in the consideration for a long-term home for Major League Baseball.

Sacramento/West Sacramento introduces its pitch for Major League Baseball pic.twitter.com/kX9QwLVp1d

— Chris Watkins (@ChrisMWatkins) May 28, 2026

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

• World Series in Sac? It could happen in 2026
• Is Sacramento ready for MLB expansion? Former A’s owner weighs in

Upcoming Athletics 2026 Schedule

• Monday, May 25th – Wednesday, May 27th – vs. Seattle Mariners
• Friday, May 29th – Sunday, May 31st – vs. New York Yankees
• Tuesday, June 2nd – Thursday, June 4th – @ Chicago Cubs
• Friday, June 5th – Sunday, June 7th – @ Houston Astros
• Monday, June 8th – Wednesday, June 10th – vs. Milwaukee Brewers

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