Big League Utah

Last updated
Big League Utah
FoundedApril 12, 2023;2 years ago (2023-04-12)
FounderLarry H. Miller Company
Type advocacy group
Location
LeaderSteve Starks
Website https://bigleagueutah.com

Big League Utah is a group pursuing a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. It was formed in April 2023. It includes representatives from business, government, and sports. The group was formed amid talk of MLB's expansion. The development proposed by the group to host a future team has received local regulatory approval and funding from the state.

Contents

History

Big League Utah was established in April of 2023 by business leaders, elected officials, and sports figures with the goal of securing a Major League Baseball team. [1] Big League Utah was formally created by the Larry H. Miller Company (LHMCO), which would own the expansion team. [2] [3] [4]

Utah's proposal focuses on Salt Lake City's Power District as the host location. Big League Utah has cited population growth, economic factors, and existing sports infrastructure as reasons to select Salt Lake City. Big League Utah is in competition with groups in cities such as Portland, Austin, Nashville, and Montreal, Quebec. [2] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Construction, not including the proposed stadium, started in Salt Lake City's Power District in April of 2023. This area has views of the city's skyline and the Wasatch Mountains. The site sits near an existing TRAX light-rail line and has easy access to freeways and the Salt Lake City International Airport. Big League Utah engaged Mortenson Construction, an experienced stadium developer, for work on the site. [7]

Big League Utah argued for the Oakland Athletics to play for three seasons in Salt Lake City while waiting for the team's new stadium to be completed in Las Vegas. This effort was not successful. [8]

Major League Baseball last expanded in 1998 when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays were added. Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he is interested in expanding to 32 teams, though no formal decisions have been made as of September 2025. [2] Major League Baseball is expected to announce plans for expansion in 2028. [3]

Enabling legislation

Local and state regulatory approval has already been obtained for building a baseball stadium in Salt Lake City's Power District. The Power District is close to the Utah State Fairpark. [9]

Development of the Power District has been facilitated by H.B. 562 [1] The Larry H. Miller Company plans to invest $3.5 billion on development of this area that will include entertainment, other recreation, and business uses. [3] [10]

H.B. 562 created the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District. The bill provided for $900 million to build a stadium. The team owner will lease the stadium from the state for $150,000 per month and provide roughly another $900 million for construction. [1] The legislation also requires that sales tax revenue generated by the project be used for its financing. A car rental tax with an exemption for Utah residents will be implemented if Utah can attract a team. The district has the authority to impose use taxes on telecommunications and energy within its boundaries. [10] H.B. 562 also provided funding for emergency services in rural counties. [11]

The boundaries of the district discussed above do not include existing housing. Development plans include thousands of units of new housing. Some of this construction will be affordable housing. [9]

Critics have expressed concerns about the cost of the stadium outweighing potential rewards, public funding for stadiums more generally, and gentrification. Experts on sports economics have produced studies claiming stadiums produce little economic value to the communities where they are located. Supporters contest those arguments. [10] [9]

Members and supporters

Prominent participants and supporters besides the Larry H. Miller Company include Gary Hoogeveen of Rocky Mountain Power, Scott Anderson of Zions Bank, Kem Gardner of the Gardner Company, Ryan Smith owner of the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, Governor Spencer Cox, Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney; Representatives John Curtis, Blake Moore, and Burgess Owens; and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. [4] [9]

Numerous former professional baseball players supported Big League Utah as of mid-2024. [12]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Joseph, Spencer (15 July 2025). "Major League ambitions: How Utah is positioning itself for MLB expansion". FOX13 Salt Lake City. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Batacao, Jason (23 July 2025). "Major League Baseball in Salt Lake City? Here's what one insider is saying now". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Mullahy, Brian (5 February 2025). "State senator believes Utah in top spot for MLB expansion, but not until at least 2028". KUTV. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Associated Press Staff (12 April 2023). "Salt Lake City group hopes to gain MLB expansion team" . Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  5. ↑ Wood, Trent (18 June 2025). "Oregon just made the race for an MLB expansion team a lot more compelling". Deseret News. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  6. ↑ Associated Press Staff (12 April 2023). "Big League Utah wants to bring the MLB to Salt Lake City". KUER 90.1. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  7. 1 2 Falk, Aaron (12 April 2023). "Millers launch bid to bring Major League Baseball to Utah". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  8. ↑ Cavanaughj, ML (31 January 2024). "Why bringing MLB and the NHL to Utah matters — it's not what you think". Utah News Dispatch. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Vandenack, Tim (11 August 2025). "Utah's Major League Baseball hopes spur pushback from some, worried about gentrification". KSL. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 Mullahy, Brian (28 February 2024). "Utah legislature sends MLB bill to governor, 'still working' on Jazz-NHL October 2025". KUTV.
  11. ↑ Mullahy, Brian (21 February 2024). "Utah eyes hotel room tax hike to help score MLB team". KUTV. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  12. ↑ Holt, Chandler (15 July 2024). "Dale Murphy: Utah Is 'Closer' To Getting MLB Expansion Franchise". KSL Sports. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
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