New study gives Raleigh an edge over Charlotte for MLB franchise
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Fans walk around The Battery in Atlanta. Photo: Logan Riely/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images
A new study from an N.C. State University economist says that both Charlotte and Raleigh could be feasible landing spots for a Major League Baseball franchise.
- But Raleigh's potential bid currently has a slight edge over Charlotte, according to Michael Walden, the author of the study whose work is often used by the state's Commerce Department.
Why it matters: MLB appears ready to add two more teams in the future, The Athletic has reported, putting up for grabs a team in one of the nation's premier sports leagues.
Reality check: But Raleigh's potential bid is all but certain.
- The Athletic points to Nashville and Salt Lake City as likely frontrunners, and Carolina Hurricanes' owner Tom Dundon, who would lead a charge on a bid, is now buying the Portland Trail Blazers.
- The study compares Raleigh and Charlotte directly with Mexico City, Montreal, Nashville, Orlando, Portland, San Antonio, San Jose and Salt Lake City, all cities that have been considered potential bidders.
Zoom in: Raleigh's bid has a lot going for it, according to the study.
- It's forecasted to be the second-fastest growing metro area among the cities studied, only trailing San Antonio. It's also larger than two metros with a team already.
- Raleigh's income level is high — ranking No. 5 among cities in the study.
- And its media market is the 22nd largest in the country, and the fourth-highest among cities in the study.
State of play: And although Charlotte ranks highly in these considerations as well, Walden, the economist, gives Raleigh a slight edge due to having perceived ownership in place and stadium sites being discussed.
- "While an MLB team in Charlotte has received local attention and discussion, Raleigh appears to be ahead in local interest," Walden wrote.
By the numbers: The study also points to the potential economic impacts of adding a baseball team.
- In Wake County, construction of a stadium would support around 5,500 jobs, while a regular baseball season could support 2,532 jobs.
- Total economic activity from a season of baseball could reach north of $300 million, the study adds.
Yes, but: There are many things the study can't study, Walden notes, like what a baseball team would mean for civic pride or quality of life.
- "Others suggest an MLB stadium and team can ... enhance the image of the city as a 'major league town,' which can assist in recruiting businesses and talent," Walden writes, echoing an argument many economic developers in the region share.
Between the lines: Raleigh city leaders have become more interested in the idea of bringing a sports stadium downtown in recent years.
- The city council recently visited Kansas City, where it toured a new women's soccer stadium, and several noted Raleigh would benefit from that as well.