Sep 25, 2026 - Sports

A potential boost for Raleigh's MLB bid comes from the Braves

Zachery Eanes

Diagonal black Raleigh pennant with white edge trim on a dark blue background, bold white Raleigh script, small 'BRING MLB TO' text, circular emblem, and 'Join the Movement' on the right. — Photo: Courtesy of MLB Raleigh

The Atlanta Braves, the juggernaut of Southeastern baseball, appear to be opposed to Nashville's potential bid for a Major League Baseball team.

Why it matters: Nashville is seen as one of the biggest rivals to Raleigh's bid, and opposition in the form of the Braves could make the City of Oaks more attractive.

Between the lines: Currently the Braves have exclusive television rights in both Nashville and Charlotte. The Raleigh market's exclusive rights are held by the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles.

What they're saying: Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller was recently asked by the Sports Business Journal if he liked the idea of a Nashville expansion team.

"No," he said. "I love Nashville. Just as a reminder, Tennessee is part of our territory, right? ... We're going to be protective of the territory what we have."
The Hurricanes, which are leading Raleigh's MLB push, declined to comment.

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A potential boost for Raleigh's MLB bid comes from the Braves

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