September has always been touted as the date for a decision on the club, but fears had been expressed the process to pick a new permanent home for the club - controlled by the League - would force an extension.
However, MLB president and COO, Bob DuPuy said he was hopeful of a resolve within the pre-arranged time limits.
Said DuPuy: "I do not think it's too late. Our number one priority is to get a deal done. Our number two priority is to have a location for the team to play next year. Do I think we could be in a position in two weeks to move the process along to a permanent conclusion? Yes. That's my hope.
"I continue to hope that we can at least move the process along by Labour Day.
"I think we need to move the process along. We have scheduling issues, stadium issues and people issues - all sorts of things. The sooner the better."
However, at least one of the team's offering the Expos a new home believes time is too short now for the team to be established in a new venue and city by next season.
Said Winston Lord, executive director of the Washington Baseball Club, one of three cities vying to land the Expos franchise: "I think you're now looking at 2005."
Washington is bidding for the franchise against Northern Virginia and Portland.
