Picture this: Russell Wilson, fresh off a Pro Bowl nod, steps up to the plate—not on a gridiron. But in a high-stakes game of real estate and legacy-building. Meanwhile, Ciara, the chart-topping powerhouse, is calling plays from the owner’s box. Together, they’re swinging for the fences in a bid to bring Major League Baseball to Portland.

Think Field of Dreams meets Shark Tank, with a Pacific Northwest twist. For Wilson, whose baseball roots run as deep as his NFL accolades, this isn’t just a passion project—it’s a full-count, bases-loaded moment.

Portland, a city known for craft beer, indie music, and rain-soaked soccer fans, might soon add “baseball town” to its résumé. The Portland Diamond Project (PDP), backed by Wilson and Ciara since 2020, just lobbed a curveball.

A signed letter of intent to acquire Zidell Yards, a 33-acre former shipyard on the Willamette River. If approved, this waterfront gem could become the crown jewel of MLB’s next expansion. A $1 billion gamble blending steel, timber, and Pacific pride. But Wilson and Ciara aren’t just sideline cheerleaders.

The couple, who joined PDP in 2020, just hyped the project on Instagram, with Wilson captioning a stadium rendering, “Portland! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.” Their pitch? A 32,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof and views of the Willamette. A “world-class stadium and a jewel of Portland’s SW waterfront,” per PDP’s social media. Architect Jeff Yrazabal’s design leans into Oregon’s timber heritage, blending glass and wood for a vibe that’s part lumberjack, part tech billionaire.

Even Babe Ruth struck out sometimes. PDP insists private investors will foot most of the bill, but Cheek admits “some public money will be needed.” Meanwhile, ESPN’s February 2025 NFL free-agent rankings labeled Wilson a “borderline starter.” A stark fall for the former Super Bowl champ. However, as his on-field star dims, his off-field hustle shines.

The curveballs: funding, rivals, and Wilson’s twilight

On September 24, 2024, PDP announced its intent to purchase Zidell Yards, kicking off a 120-day due diligence period. After that? A 42-month sprint to seal the deal. “Portland will have professional baseball in the heart of the city, along one of Oregon’s most iconic rivers,” declared PDP founder Craig Cheek, channeling the swagger of a manager eyeing a pennant race.

Mayor Ted Wheeler doubled down, calling it a “tremendous opportunity” to boost the city’s sports economy. But here’s the thing. MLB’s expansion fee could top $1 billion, and rivals like Nashville and Salt Lake City are circling like relievers in the bullpen.

“We need a project like this now,” declared Mayor Keith Wilson at a March 2025 council meeting, where Cheek unveiled updated stadium renderings. Portland’s metro population (nearly 3 million) and lack of MLB teams make it a tantalizing market. “Why not Portland?” argued Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel, noting nine smaller cities already host teams. But MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has yet to tip his hand, leaving PDX fans in a nail-biting extra-innings duel.

If approved, the Zidell Yards stadium could break ground by 2027, with opening day slated for 2029–2030. Jay Zidell, whose family owns the land, mused, “Who wouldn’t want to watch baseball with the Willamette River as the backdrop?” It’s a romantic vision—one that hinges on cash, political will, and MLB’s appetite for risk.

Wilson and Ciara’s bet is bold, blending sports, business, and civic pride. As Ken Burns once said, “Baseball is a liturgy—a set of rituals that keeps time.” For Portland, the clock is ticking. Will the city step up to the plate, or let this fastball whiz by?

“Do you believe in miracles?!” Al Michaels’ 1980 hockey call feels apt here. So, Portland: Ready to swing for the fences?