Report: Former Jazz Owner 'Lobbying' to Bring MLB Franchise to Utah
Last year, the state of Utah underwent the biggest population spike in a single year since World War II. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, as much as 62% of the new residents were transplants (or migrants) moving from other U.S. states.
With the steady influx of new population, plus the growth of Utah's existing populace, the state now has 3.4 million people calling it home. Perhaps the ground for a new professional sports franchise has been laid.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that a "consortium," led by former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller, is working to bring a Major League Baseball team to the state. Jeff Passan writes:
A Salt Lake City consortium led by the former owner of the Utah Jazz plans to pursue a Major League Baseball franchise in the coming years, touting the area's population growth, strong economy and baseball history as draws for a coveted expansion slot, people involved with the project told ESPN.
Big League Utah, a group headed by longtime Jazz owner Gail Miller, will join Nashville's Music City Baseball and the Portland Diamond Project in lobbying to join the current 30 MLB organizations. Las Vegas, considered a prime destination for a franchise, has emerged as a strong candidate if the Oakland Athletics relocate.
While sources said MLB does not plan to expand until it figures out the futures of Oakland and the Tampa Bay Rays -- both of whom have considered moving amid struggles to secure new stadiums in their current metropolitan areas -- commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN in July: "I would love to get to 32 teams."
The Salt Lake Bees continue to have a surprisingly strong draw from Utah residents, and the Jazz have proven that fans will patronize pro franchises with the utmost loyalty. Real Salt Lake is another great example of Utah's passion for its pro franchises.
It's easy to see how an MLB club could thrive in Utah. The Miller family still has a lot of power and wherewithal, and with Utah's intensely climbing population and thriving economy (even in the face of the pandemic and, more recently, hyper-inflation), the MLB has to be more than intrigued about the possibility of placing a franchise here.
Stay tuned.
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