Buffalo’s Future in Professional Sports: Prospects for an MLB or NBA Franchise

Buffalo, a city with a rich sports history, currently hosts only two major professional sports franchises: the Buffalo Bills NFL and the Buffalo Sabres NHL. The prospects of the city welcoming another major pro sports franchise, such as a Major League Baseball (MLB) or National Basketball Association (NBA) team, depend on a variety of factors. This article explores the potential for Buffalo to welcome a new major league team and discusses the key factors that influence such a decision.

Market Size and Economic Viability

One of the primary considerations for leagues considering expansion is the market size. Buffalo, a relatively smaller city, faces a unique set of challenges in attracting a new major league team. Major leagues such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA are known to prioritize larger, more economically robust markets. However, Buffalo has shown a strong economic foundation with successful minor league teams, including the Buffalo Bisons, part of the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Stadium and Infrastructure

The availability of a suitable venue and the infrastructure to support a new team are critical. In 2020, the Toronto Blue Jays played most of their home games in Buffalo at Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons. While this arrangement demonstrated the city's potential, Buffalo would need significant investment to meet the standards required by MLB or NBA teams. An upgraded stadium would not only serve as a home for the new franchise but also enhance the overall sports experience for fans and attract more visitors to the city.

Fan Support

Despite Buffalo's smaller market, the city boasts a passionate sports fan base. The legacy of the Buffalo Braves in the NBA (1970-78) and the current Minor League Baseball presence of the Buffalo Bisons indicate a strong local passion for the sport. If this support can be translated into consistent attendance and continued support for a new franchise, it could make a compelling case for additional teams.

League Expansion Plans

The future of Buffalo's sports landscape is closely tied to league expansion plans. Both the MLB and NBA have specific strategies for expansion. Monitoring their plans and interest in expanding to smaller markets like Buffalo is crucial. For example, the inclusion of Triple-A teams in Buffalo by the Toronto Blue Jays shows that there is interest in leveraging minor league affiliates to enhance fan engagement and promote the sport in smaller markets.

As of August 2023, the potential for Buffalo to gain another major pro sports franchise such as a Major League Baseball (MLB) or National Basketball Association (NBA) team depends on the interplay of several factors, including market size, fan support, stadium and infrastructure, and economic viability. While it's difficult to predict the future, the combination of these factors will play a significant role in determining whether Buffalo will see another major pro sports franchise.

Brief History and Current Setting

Buffalo once had an NBA franchise known as the Buffalo Braves from 1970 to 1978, which, however, encountered difficulties and could not secure dates at the Aud. Today, despite this setback, Buffalo remains the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs - the Buffalo Phantomz.

2020 MLB Season Pivotal Change

The 2020 MLB season saw a significant development for Buffalo. The Toronto Blue Jays, faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, decided to play most of their home games in Buffalo at Sahlen Field, the home of the Buffalo Bisons, a Triple-A affiliate team. This arrangement demonstrated the city's capability to host a MLB team and highlighted the potential of Buffalo to support a new MLB franchise.

While the city's metro area might be too small to support a MLB team in the long term, it set a minor league attendance record, showcasing the continuing local interest and support for professional baseball. This trend, combined with the recent experiences of hosting the Blue Jays for a significant portion of their season, provides new hope for Buffalo's future in professional sports.

Conclusion

The potential for Buffalo to welcome another major pro sports franchise, such as an MLB or NBA team, is influenced by a complex mix of market conditions, fan engagement, infrastructural needs, and league expansion strategies. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the possibility of new professional sports teams remains an exciting prospect for sports enthusiasts and the community at large.

Stay tuned for updates on developments and signals from the major leagues that may herald a new era of professional sports in Buffalo.