Expos to move to Washington D.C.

[RobFunk]

during the interview, Oscar Goodman gave the indication that they are very pro active in talking to MLB officials and are seeing what they can do to make it happen, as well as express their interest in having an MLB team.

he also said when news came around of washington's trouble his phone had been ringing off the hook.

its no secret vegas would very much like to have a franchise.

itd be awesome, I hope it happens.

 

[Journeyman]

Just another reason why baseball is a complete joke...How can this be? So where will the Expos/Nationals play now? This reminds me of the early 70's when San Diego was 'possibly' moving to D.C. and in the end nothing happened...This is amazing...

 

[WildBill]

This franchise isn't coming to Vegas permanently. I wrote about this awhile back, this is the MLB franchise and they are trying to ram home a publicly funded stadium out of pure greed. If the franchise has to pay for it, the franchise value drops significantly. These owners paid $100 million for the team, with revenue sharing they probably have broken even in cashflow last couple years. Now they think if they can just get a publicly funded stadium they are looking at half billion dollar price tag, easy if it goes to a market like DC. They will have their troubles though, Vegas, Portland, Norfolk...all are in the same spot as DC, not willing to pay for the stadium. I can't see suburbs in Virginia paying for it either.

Future franchises are definitely in play for Vegas because there are resources to build the stadium almost completely with private funds. The only cost to the city would be for the land, and the land they want to use is intended to revitalize downtown. But the climate here in the public would never even think to allow for tax funds to actually build the place. I would guess the climate though is similar elsewhere. But for now the owners want the jackpot and will probably have to pawn this team off a little longer as a result.