MLS
says 12 groups submit expansion applications
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[February 01, 2017]
By Frank Pingue
(Reuters) - Major League Soccer said on
Tuesday 12 ownership groups have submitted official applications to
land one of four expansion openings that will see the North American
league grow to 28 clubs.
Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix,
Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and
Tampa/St. Petersburg are all vying to secure a team in a league that
began with 10 clubs in 1996.
"That's a strong statement about the league and the growth of the
sport in the United States and Canada," MLS Commissioner Don Garber
said in a statement.
A committee and Garber will review applications and conduct
in-person meetings with potential owners and officials from
prospective markets during the first half of 2017.
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The applicants submitted documentation that focused on a description
of ownership structure and financial information, details on a
proposed stadium site, financial projections and commitment letters
for stadium naming rights.
MLS said two of the four new teams will be announced by the end of
2017 and begin play in 2020. The other two teams will be announced
at a later date with a more specific timeline decided later this
year.
With the addition of Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC, MLS
will have 22 clubs competing during the 2017 season.
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MLS commissioner Don Garber speaks during a press conference at the
Greater Columbus Convention Center. Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Football Club will join the league in 2018 while MLS
said it is making progress with plans for an expansion team in
Miami, which would bring MLS to 24 clubs.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Both)
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