I was aware of the grass roots effort to bring MLB to Raleigh, but was not aware Tom Dundon had joined the endeavor. He is mentioned in this ESPN article.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39563422/mlb-expansion-potential-cities-candidates-teams-austin-montreal-nashville-orlando-portland-raleigh-salt-lake-city

I know, it's an extremely long shot, but never say never.

Yes please

I feel good about it

any major city that is willing to build a stadium has a shot

As the conversation about MLB expansion and realignment picks up publicly, here's a progress report from six cities actively working toward landing a team.

Nashville
Salt Lake City
Portland
Raleigh
Orlando
Austin

As the conversation about MLB expansion and realignment picks up publicly, here's a progress report from six cities actively working toward landing a team.

• Nashville
• Salt Lake City
• Portland
• Raleigh
• Orlando
• Austinhttps://t.co/3OKTTgU7Y8 pic.twitter.com/kwboc9X3Gz

— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) August 27, 2025

You have the Braves and Nationals in the "South East". Charlotte would also make logical sense but North Carolina deserves an MLB team.

Wolfer79 said:

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As the conversation about MLB expansion and realignment picks up publicly, here's a progress report from six cities actively working toward landing a team.

Nashville
Salt Lake City
Portland
Raleigh
Orlando
Austin

As the conversation about MLB expansion and realignment picks up publicly, here's a progress report from six cities actively working toward landing a team.

• Nashville
• Salt Lake City
• Portland
• Raleigh
• Orlando
• Austinhttps://t.co/3OKTTgU7Y8 pic.twitter.com/kwboc9X3Gz

— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) August 27, 2025

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Florida can't support two teams as it is, much less three.

Nashville feels like a given at this point but surprised you haven't seen a push for somewhere in Canada like Vancouver or Montreal.

The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

How about the Fair Grounds?

Pakbackr said:

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The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

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Makes too much sense to do it where Dundon has development rights by CF/Lenovo. I am sure there would be options for State baseball and other area schools to use. Big Four Tournament anyone?

Jtilley said:

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You have the Braves and Nationals in the "South East". Charlotte would also make logical sense but North Carolina deserves an MLB team.

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Charlotte doesn't support their pro teams. Bring them to Raleigh.

wolfme said:

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Jtilley said:

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You have the Braves and Nationals in the "South East". Charlotte would also make logical sense but North Carolina deserves an MLB team.

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Charlotte doesn't support their pro teams. Bring them to Raleigh.

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lol

CLTWolf said:

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wolfme said:

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Jtilley said:

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You have the Braves and Nationals in the "South East". Charlotte would also make logical sense but North Carolina deserves an MLB team.

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Charlotte doesn't support their pro teams. Bring them to Raleigh.

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lol

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I'm shocked "CLT" wolf would be offended by my very "I grew up and live in Raleigh" statement. We just want the team man. Or if you guys get it, do us a favor and call it Carolina and not Charlotte. Smh (soccer team)

Yes please

Pakbackr said:

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The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

ecbwolf said:

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How about the Fair Grounds?

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NCDA owns the land and I don't think they want to part with it.

For those new followers asking, "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐋𝐁 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡?"

✅ Join the Movement https://t.co/UphYuBX4O2

✅ Grab some merchhttps://t.co/ROtTsmZsoK

✅ Spread the word!
Repost on social, tag your friends, MAKE NOISE! pic.twitter.com/SJHqi9xC3t

— MLBRaleigh (@MLBRaleigh) August 30, 2025

This NY Times / Athletic article from 3 days ago lists Raleigh as one of the 6 top cities in the running for an expansion team.

They portray Nashville as the "front runner" for a team in the East. But why is Nashville viewed this way? Because of country music and being the world capital for bachelorette parties? As well-cited by the MLB Raleigh group (see post I linked above), the Raleigh area has a significantly larger population than Nashville - with a larger population within a 15, 30, and 60 mile radius of each city center. Also, Raleigh actually gets more tourists/visitors per year than Nashville, with around 18 million visitors to Raleigh in 2024 versus 16 million to Nashville.

Furthermore, the City of Nashville is currently spending hundreds of millions ($1.2 billion in total public funding) to build a new stadium for the NFL Titans. Are they going to be able to fund a baseball stadium too? Doubt it.

https://instagr.am/p/DN25aOKQDZv


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6577020/2025/08/27/mlb-expansion-cities-salt-lake-city-nashville-raleigh-portland/

Quote:

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Raleigh

When Tom Dundon is willing to put his financial might behind a project, it should be taken seriously. Dundon, owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, is part of a group poised to purchase the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers for $4.25 billion. Yet Dundon remains interested in bringing MLB to North Carolina.

"Tom has publicly indicated that he's very interested in owning a Major League Baseball team," Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork said. "He thinks Raleigh would be a great market to have it, and is interested in taking the steps necessary to try to make that happen."

At this stage, Fork and Co. are brainstorming stadium sites, modeling sponsorship and ticket sales figures, and communicating with local and state officials and business leaders in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle. Reception, Fork said, has been "universally positive."

"We're trying to stay ready, do the homework we need and do the planning we can do … so we're ready to act whenever (MLB) gives the go-ahead," Fork said.

While Charlotte is another potential expansion city, Raleigh seems to have more momentum. There's the proximity to Dundon's Hurricanes, who will soon begin a $1 billion project to transform 81 acres around the Lenovo Center into an entertainment district. (One could imagine squeezing a ballpark in there.) There's more support for Raleigh's MLB bid from local and state politicians; North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein spoke in support of the plan earlier this year.

Charlotte also lacks a group working publicly toward an eventual bid, while Raleigh has both Hurricanes leadership and a community-led campaign. That group, MLB Raleigh, existed before Dundon stated his intention to wade into MLB waters. The co-founders made merchandise and invited baseball fans to brewery meet-ups. They hoped to make enough noise that the media noticed, then local government, then a billionaire. Once that happened, things only got noisier.

"We're just trying to prove that people want it here," said MLB Raleigh co-founder Lou Pascucci, a designer at IBM. "This is a baseball town."

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ncsupack1 said:

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Pakbackr said:

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The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

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I wonder about Dundon committing to a baseball team after just buying the Trail Blazers. Maybe I am wrong and the dude just wants a piece of every major sport possible.

Jtilley said:

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ncsupack1 said:

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Pakbackr said:

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The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

---

I wonder about Dundon committing to a baseball team after just buying the Trail Blazers. Maybe I am wrong and the dude just wants a piece of every major sport possible.

---

You bring up a good question. Time will tell.

ncsupack1 said:

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Pakbackr said:

---

The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

---

It's not like the events are scheduled concurrently. Why not utilize existing infrastructure where possible?

El Lobo Loco said:

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ncsupack1 said:

---

Pakbackr said:

---

The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

---

It's not like the events are scheduled concurrently. Why not utilize existing infrastructure where possible?

---

I'm talking about the fan base and the constant back and forth over not having a say. It's tiering at this point. We as in State need to raise money and improve what we got instead of relying on others to pay the bill. We like talk the talk but constantly come up short writing the check.

ncsupack1 said:

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El Lobo Loco said:

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ncsupack1 said:

---

Pakbackr said:

---

The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

---

It's not like the events are scheduled concurrently. Why not utilize existing infrastructure where possible?

---

I'm talking about the fan base and the constant back and forth over not having a say. It's tiering at this point. We as in State need to raise money and improve what we got instead of relying on others to pay the bill. We like talk the talk but constantly come up short writing the check.

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That's just background noise to me.

El Lobo Loco said:

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ncsupack1 said:

---

El Lobo Loco said:

---

ncsupack1 said:

---

Pakbackr said:

---

The only way for Raleigh to advance seriously in the conversation is to have a commitment to build a stadium...and I'd argue that commitment needs to go as far as having land procured and a stadium design tee'd up and ready to go.

The bigger question, for me, is it possible to enter into some sort of collaboration with NC State to build a stadium we could use (similar to how we share Lenovo Center with the Hurricanes)? I know of no other college team that shares stadiums with a MLB team...just some isolated games. However, most of the new MLB stadiums are smaller (35-40,000 seat range). I could see us playing early season non-conference games at Doak and bigger conference series (and regionals) at the MLB park.

I'm guessing 100 acres is needed to build a stadium. There could be enough space over near CF/Lenovo or in Dix Park.

---

We already have way too much back and forth about State football, men's basketball, and the NHL team sharing parking and events. I don't think folks want another one, I'm one of them. If Dundon and others want a MLB team, fine let them find the land and build it. State needs to focus on State and not get wrapped up in another " shared " venue. JMO

---

It's not like the events are scheduled concurrently. Why not utilize existing infrastructure where possible?

---

I'm talking about the fan base and the constant back and forth over not having a say. It's tiering at this point. We as in State need to raise money and improve what we got instead of relying on others to pay the bill. We like talk the talk but constantly come up short writing the check.

---

That's just background noise to me.

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For the most part it is for me as well. I just think personally it's not my thing to share a Lenovo and a baseball stadium, my thought is stand out and make our own brand. jmo

The Establishment media is now noticing that Raleigh is a major player...

https://instagr.am/p/DOO_h05j96g


https://www.forbes.com/sites/waynemcdonnell/2025/09/05/why-mlb-should-seriously-consider-raleigh-as-its-next-expansion-target/

Quote:

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Why MLB Should Seriously Consider Raleigh As Its Next Expansion Target

ByWayne G. McDonnell, Jr.,Contributor
Published Sep 05, 2025

Major League Baseball's (MLB) long-term vision for prosperity begins with expansion and realignment. The aspiration is to add two new expansion franchises which would lead to realignment based on geography. The thought of 32 franchises split across eight divisions is intriguing given how several cities are expressing interest in becoming new homes for MLB. Austin, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, Portland and Salt Lake City have been mentioned in the media as potential candidates for expansion. While each of these cities possess numerous attributes worthy of consideration, MLB's pursuit of expansion must begin with Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina.

MLB Raleigh Is Building Community Around Baseball

Once viewed as an absurd idea seven years ago, Raleigh makes perfect sense thanks to the tireless efforts of a group of people who love baseball and their city. MLB Raleigh, a grassroots organization whose mission is to build community around baseball, has exponentially raised the city's profile through education, events and merchandise while connecting investors with politicians. Along with a comprehensive website that provides data on projected market growth, median household income, per capita attendance and proposed ballpark locations, MLB Raleigh is promoting a movement that could transform the city's economy through tax revenues. They are showcasing the beauty of Raleigh through service initiatives while correcting inaccurate information in the media regarding census radius, designated market areas and population.

The exploration of potential expansion cities begins with an intimate understanding of the economic environment. The competitive landscape is shaped by fan behavior, local revenues, media rights, mixed-use development and a keystone owner. By viewing expansion as an opportunity to cultivate untapped markets for MLB, expect thorough examinations of census data, consumer surveys, credit card spending, focus groups and geospatial consumer analyses. In Raleigh's case, it will be extremely important to remember their candidacy is unique given three different population points on a single commuter belt. The attractiveness of Raleigh's pursuit of an expansion franchise in MLB is enhanced by neighboring cities along Interstate 40 such as Chapel Hill and Durham.

Rapid population growth has become synonymous with North Carolina. According to the United States Census Bureau, North Carolina's population has surpassed 11 million. Besides growth well above the national average, North Carolina is experiencing some of the largest gains in the country when it comes to domestic migration. Whether it is for business, education or quality of life, Midwest and Northeast baseball sensibilities are evident in North Carolina as are frustrations with MLB's blackout restrictions. Out of the 10 most populous states in 2024, North Carolina ranks ninth on the list but is the only one that doesn't host a professional sports franchise from MLB.

[...]

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MLB expansion rumblings continue

Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is still focused on bringing an MLB franchise to Raleigh.

Local leaders are already on board and scoping out sites for a future ballpark, but is baseball ready to expand?

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/09/10/raleigh-could-be-intriguing-mlb-expansion-contender/

Wolfer79 said:

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MLB expansion rumblings continue

Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is still focused on bringing an MLB franchise to Raleigh.

Local leaders are already on board and scoping out sites for a future ballpark, but is baseball ready to expand?

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/09/10/raleigh-could-be-intriguing-mlb-expansion-contender/

---

Good article.

Is baseball ready to expand? Baseball has 2 $500m+ players (Otani and Soto), there's money overflowing. The key is baseball, like college fb, is regional based. Baseball owners get their revenue stream from the local market, not from the national market. MLB is prioritizing Charlotte over us because of population density. What can we do to change MLB direction?

If MLB comes to Raleigh, we must take steps to ensure taxpayers don’t bear high costs | Opinion https://t.co/NtBXpC8o7H

— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) September 30, 2025