Examining Vancouver As A Possible City For MLB Expansion

This is part of a larger feature on possible MLB expansion. To see the full series, click here.

While Portland and Las Vegas provide U.S. markets on the West Coast, it is Vancouver, British Columbia, that would give MLB an international market to claim in the Pacific time zone. And if ever there was a picturesque location to place a ballpark, Vancouver would be it.

Population (CSA): 2,463,431 (rank: 25*)

DMA: N/A

Major Pro Teams: Canucks (NHL), Whitecaps (MLS), BC Lions (CFL)

Clubs That Claim Broadcast Market: Blue Jays, Mariners

Four Businesses of Interest: Telus Corp.,Jim Pattison Group, Teck Resources Ltd., Finning International Inc.

Organized effort: None

Pluses: Vancouver isn’t as big as Portland, but as smallish consolidated areas go, Vancouver would fit the bill. And like Portland, Vancouver could set up a nice rivalry for the Mariners. Blue Jays fans in British Columbia annually make the 140-mile trek south to Seattle to support the visitors.

Minuses: Like Montreal, the biggest issue is funding. Well that and no one has stepped forward to try to even get a serious conversation started about bringing MLB to the market.

Open Questions: Unlike Montreal, Vancouver would have to share broadcast territory with the Mariners. That may not be as painful if it keeps MLB out of Portland.

* CSA population rankings for Canadian markets are projected against U.S. census rankings.

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