As the Athletics prepare to begin their second season in Sacramento, a larger question is taking shape: Could Sacramento be a legitimate landing spot for an MLB expansion team?
On The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, the guys weighed the financial realities, political dynamics, and league politics that could determine the region’s fate.
“There is a bit of irony and humor to this,” Dave said of the city’s MLB expansion push. Dave noted that Mayor Kevin McCarty, who is now championing the push for baseball, is the same mayor who once voted against the downtown arena that ultimately kept the Sacramento Kings in town.
“You take that however you want,” Dave added. “It’s kind of ironic.”
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 06: A general view of the Athletics playing against the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park on May 06, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
MLB Expansion to Sacramento?
MLB expansion discussions feel more real in Sacramento right now because the Athletics are playing their second season in the region while awaiting completion of their planned $1 billion-plus stadium in Las Vegas. The temporary arrangement has effectively turned Sacramento into a live audition for Major League Baseball.
One of the loudest concerns about MLB expansion in Sacramento centers on ownership. Critics argue the region lacks a resident billionaire capable of footing a multibillion-dollar bill. Dave pushed back.
“The easiest part of expansion — and I’m not saying it’s easy — but easier, is finding an owner,” he said. “You’re gonna find an owner.” With MLB franchise values averaging between $2.5 and $2.75 billion, Dave estimated an MLB expansion fee “at a minimum will be $3 billion.” Factor in a stadium that could approach $1 billion, and the total project could near $4 billion.
“You’re gonna find your whale,” Dave said, predicting a deep-pocketed lead investor would partner with local stakeholders. “I don’t think that’s gonna be an issue.”
Where MLB expansion becomes more complicated, Dave argued, is league approval. Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated he would like expansion decisions made before his planned retirement in 2029. But Sacramento faces stiff competition from cities like Salt Lake City and Portland.
Dave’s biggest concern is territorial resistance from the San Francisco Giants. “This has always been a Giants town,” he said, citing television ratings and regional fan support. Adding a fifth California team could invite pushback from ownership groups protective of their market share.
Dave was especially critical of the idea that MLB expansion consideration could hinge on how well Sacramento supports the Athletics during their temporary stay.
That standard could be misleading. The fan base is split — many longtime supporters are torn between backing the players and freezing out owner John Fisher after he relocated the franchise from Oakland following 56 years. For some, buying tickets feels like endorsing a move they oppose.
As a result, attendance may reflect frustration with ownership more than Sacramento’s viability as an MLB expansion market.
“I think it’s absolute trash,” he said. “If they sell out every single game, then guarantee us expansion.”
Ross believes MLB expansion in Sacramento has “a small” chance. “Can they get the funding? Can they get that whale?” he asked. “You’ve got to get all the steps to line up first.”
For now, MLB expansion remains a possibility in Sacramento — but one dependent on money, politics, and approval from a league that doesn’t hand out franchises easily.
Check out the full conversation by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
