Smithfield council approves nonbinding memorandum of understanding to pursue Taubes baseball franchise

The Town of Smithfield Town Council voted to approve a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Taubes (Topps) baseball organization to begin formal discussions about bringing the franchise and a stadium to Smithfield.

Town Manager presented the MOU as a next step in a multi-week effort to recruit the Coastal Plain League franchise, describing the agreement as nonbinding but necessary to move toward contract negotiations, funding discussions and possible stadium construction. The manager said staff has been working with the organization to evaluate the opportunity as an economic-development and quality-of-life project.

Councilman Stevens said an internal conservative economic-impact estimate for the town and surrounding area ranged as high as $89 million annually; he urged the council and county to support the project. “I think this is a very exciting and huge step for Smithfield to take to bring the Coastal Plains League here,” Stevens said. Other council members and staff noted the franchise operates a broader event program beyond baseball games — about 130 events annually — and stressed the MOU is nonbinding and that more detail on funding and liability will be required.

Town legal counsel reviewed the MOU and, according to the manager, confirmed the document is nonbinding. Council members voted to approve the MOU and authorize staff to continue negotiations and to seek outside funding, including possible county support. The council did not commit town funds in the MOU.

If negotiations proceed, staff said next steps will include drafting a formal contract, identifying funding sources, and more detailed site and economic analyses. Council members emphasized they will not agree to financial commitments beyond the town's means without subsequent approvals.