Is Utah getting an MLB team? Gov. Cox's reassuring words provide encouraging update for expansion hopefuls

On Thursday, May 18, Utah's 18th governor spoke about the prospect of further professional sports franchises moving to the state during his monthly news conference.

According to Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City may not be the largest city in the American West but it is a strong candidate to host a MLB expansion franchise due to its expanding economy, good quality of life and history of hosting professional sports.

"NEWS: A Salt Lake City group led by former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller plans to pursue an MLB expansion franchise, per jeffpassan" - @FOS

“I don’t think it’s just PR. I don’t think it’s just kind of a wish. I think there’s actual substance behind both of those.” - @govcox on the possibility of Utah getting an @mlb or @nhl franchise 👀 - kslsports

Cox also highlighted the Miller organization and the professional baseball team it has put together of private investors and public partners to push the MLB and work toward the development of a future franchise as another ace in the hole potentially working in the city's favor.

Cox also mentioned that,out of the three Western candidate cities—Las Vegas, Portland, and Salt Lake City—Utah was considered to be in the race for no more than two MLB club placements.

Early concept renderings of the proposed MLB stadium in Utah 👀 Big League Utah - kslsports

MLB fans' reactions to Utah getting an MLB team

Over the past few years, MLB has been abuzz with talk about adding an expansion franchise. Salt Lake City and a Salt Lake City Consotrium, led by the previous owner of the Utah Jazz, have entered the race for a major league club.

When the company polled local sports enthusiasts about their preferred leagues for prospective expansion, MLB came out on top. Even the NFL was defeated by baseball. A follower tweeted:

BREAKING: A Salt Lake City consortium led by the former owner of the Utah Jazz plans to pursue a Major League Baseball expansion franchise in the coming years, people involved with the project tell ESPN. - jeffpassan

The news has delighted baseball enthusiasts in the Salt Lake City region more than anything. They believe that their city is the ideal location for the upcoming expansion club.