Latest on MLB expansion downplays Mariners' potential for Seattle-Portland turf war

When it comes to Washington State and Oregon, there's no doubting that the rivalry between the two college football teams is fierce. Focus in on Seattle and Portland specifically, and the passion is evident every time the Sounders face the Timbers in MLS. So what about the prospect of a competing Major League team to play the Mariners?

The reason for even bringing up this subject is due to the ongoing potential for MLB expansion, to join the other three main sports leagues in North America and have 32 franchises. And now, with the Athletics and Rays' stadium situations seemingly close to resolution, the only obstacle which remains is the upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations. As per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the talks will be extremely contentious, but once resolved, MLB can finally focus on expanding by two teams.

This of course leads the the question of who Major League Baseball will be considering? According to Passan, candidates in the running include Salt Lake City, Nashville, Raleigh, Orlando and Montreal. However, the candidate which will most be of interest to the Mariners and their fans is Portland, and understandably so.

Portland's main stumbling block to an MLB franchise is outside of their control

As per Mike Rogoway of Oregon Live, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill in June of 2025, authorizing up to $800 million to help finance an MLB stadium in Southwest Portland. In addition, a site has already been picked out to build a ballpark on the city’s South Waterfront. However, as promising as this sounds, there's at least one significant obstacle to overcome -- location.

Not Portland's waterfront mind, which will make for a spectacular location for the new ballpark. No, this is more about the larger geographical location. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has advised that he wants to add one West Coast and one East Coast franchise and unfortunately for Portland, Salt Lake City is the best-positioned potential expansion bid, both overall and in the West specifically.

This is obviously a shame for Portland, with Passan suggesting they could be the favorite to secure the second bid, but only if they were in a different time zone. Instead, they are seemingly on the outside looking in and with a lot of work to do, if they are to catch up to Salt Lake City. And as far as the Mariners are concerned (without putting words in their mouths), it's entirely conceivable they would prefer Portland doesn't put themselves in position to make a more serious challenge.

Officially or unofficially, the Mariners likely don't want Portland as an MLB rival

No matter how good or bad the Mariners are, they usually do well with attendances. This season offers proof, with the team ranking seventh in the majors in average attendance per game despite being set for their most losses since going 68-94 in 2019. And this dedication, passion, etc, extends to the television numbers, with their fan territory including Oregon.

Remember all the controversy, when the M's actively opposed billionaire Chris Hansen’s proposal to build a basketball and hockey arena in the SoDo neighborhood? We appreciate a potential MLB franchise in Portland isn't the same scenario, and with the M's unlikely to send a formal letter opposing it! However, that doesn't mean they would be happy about the prospect of having competition for their fanbase in the very next state.

Regardless of any official or unofficial objections, circumstances seem set up to ultimately conspire against Portland's dreams of an MLB franchise anytime soon. Sure, we know this will be a shame for the competing fan bases on either side of The Columbia River, who love little more than watching their sports teams compete for bragging rights. However, the reality is that the best thing for the Mariners franchise is to be the only game in town in the Pacific Northwest.

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