March 5, 2026 – The Athletic wrapped up its MLB fan survey with a look at a variety of issues for baseball fans, but when it came to expansion, the vote was clear – a majority of the more than 13,000 respondents are for it … and Nashville is the clear #1 choice.
The polling touched on a range of issues, from who will win the 2026 World Series (surprise! 60% say the Dodgers…no other team got higher than 7%), to the most improved team (the Dodgers again). But the question about expansion had just as clear a favorite.
Asked to pick the two cities where they think baseball should expand, 73% of the fans named Nashville, with Portland finishing 2nd with 47%.
While there is still important work to be done before expansion becomes a reality, the Nashville Stars remain focused on doing the work today that can make that opportunity possible tomorrow. Our role is to help bring people together around a shared vision for Major League Baseball in Music City. That includes working with potential future ownership, partnering with Lincoln Property Company to evaluate the best location for a future Major League ballpark and surrounding mixed-use development, and continuing to build the Nashville Stars identity in a way that reflects the city and the game’s history through our partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
At the same time, we appreciate the enthusiasm fans continue to show for bringing Major League Baseball to our city. With its unique combination of entertainment and history, hospitality and economic leadership, global airport access, and leading business headquarters, Nashville offers a compelling case as a future home for MLB. Each day we are working to showcase the city’s strengths and position Nashville to welcome baseball fans from across the country to a home game in Music City.
Go Stars!