Former Major League Baseball player, Dave Stewart, is working to become MLB’s first majority minority-owned team.
The former major league pitcher is said to have had conversations with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. These discussions were about a bid to create an expansion franchise in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stewart already leads a group, hoping to get an MLB franchise in Nashville. This makes that team the first majority minority-owned team ever in the league.
Reports indicate that Music City Baseball has chosen Stewart to head the diversity equity ownership initiative. This was formed to get a franchise in the next three to five years.
“I spoke with the commissioner a couple of weeks ago, and the same thing remains the same. There are two teams that don’t have homes: the Oakland A’s and the Tampa Rays. So, those are his priorities to make sure those places have homes to play in. But, once they do, expansion becomes next on the agenda, ” Stewart said.
In close to 25 years, there has been no expansion in MLB. Additionally, MLB has never really considered having a majority minority-owned franchise.
However, the closest they have come is NBA legend Magic Johnson having 2% stake in the L.A. Dodgers. Also, the Marlins’ Derek Jeter is said to have had a 4% equity stake as a minority owner with that team. He left his position on the team earlier this year prior to his contract ending.
