Oregon House Backs $800 Million Stadium Plan to Bring Major League Baseball to Portland

Bipartisan agreement in the Oregon House of Representatives saw Senate Bill 110 take a step closer to becoming law on Tuesday after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, which seeks to attract a Major League Baseball (MLB) team to Portland’s South Waterfront.

Funding Bill For MLB In Portland Passed In House

House lawmakers voted 46-6 in favor of Senate Bill 110. The bill provides for a $800 million bond project to construct a stadium in Zidell Yards if MLB expands to Portland.

The bond would be repaid through what is being called a “Jock Tax” on athletes and team staff, which would also be levied on visiting teams.

The MLB is adding two new franchises but has not yet chosen their locations. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that he hopes to select the cities before his 2029 retirement, while Portland supporters of the stadium say an MLB team in Portland could be what the city needs to boost economic development.

Senate Bill 100 now heads to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk and, once signed, will bring the possibility of an MLB with a Portland home base closer to being realized.