CARSON, Calif. – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced the plans, process, timeline, and fee-related to the league’s expansion to 28 clubs.
As the league looks to add four additional clubs, league owners revealed a formal process to evaluate interests from ownership groups interested in an MLS expansion team.
Any ownership group interested in an expansion club will need to submit an application by Jan. 31, 2017 before Garber will review the plans during the first and second quarters of 2017. The applicants must submit documentation on the following areas: a description of the ownership and financial situation, a proposed stadium with a financing plan and required governmental approvals and support from public officials, and financial projections, corporate support, and soccer support.
Garber also revealed that the league will add their 25th and 26th teams during the third quarter of 2017 (July, August, September). The 27th and 28th team will be announced at a later date yet to be decided.The following markets have publically expressed interested in obtaining an MLS expansion club: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
“There is tremendous interest in professional soccer across the United States and Canada,” Commissioner Garber said in a statement. “Since announcing plans to expand to 28 clubs late last year, many potential ownership groups have contacted us, and numerous public officials have stated their desire to bring an MLS expansion team to their city. We look forward to reviewing expansion applications in the coming months and conducting formal meetings in 2017 with possible team owners.”
