i know mls wants the big tv markets, but i would like to see cities that have shown support for the game get a shot first.
Expansion Rumors Megathread
- Thread starter MagnusPax
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If Nashville can manage to secure and announce their stadium this fall, it really seems like MLS wants them over Cincinnati. If priorities really are to "fill the map" and ensure everyone has a rival, then they really only need one of Cincy and Detroit (which decision can wait until Detroit has a chance to complete their bid), one of Miami and Tampa (advantage Miami), and one of Nashville, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
I still like Sacramento and Cincy, followed by San Diego (Phoenix backup) and Detroit (Nashville backup), but I could see Sacramento and Nashville, followed by San Diego (Phoenix backup) and Detroit (Cincinnati backup).
They were competing with the MNUFC bid. At that point they felt they could go it alone. Now they realize they either partner up out of state or be shut out completely.
Because the Vikings owners wanted an MLS team in Minnesota and wanted to own it instead of the people who own the Loons. They also wanted to play in US Bank Stadium, sharing with the Vikings. MLS chose the other group and existing team and a plan for SSS.
They had a gigantic, brand new NFL stadium (paid for by the citizens) and wanted to sell tickets to more events. The stadium was designed for soccer as an afterthought though, and there was a successful existing NASL club with deep pocket owners that wanted to build a soccer-specific stadium as part of their bid.
I think it's generally a positive that the Wilf's have joined up with the Nashville group, but only because they're a minority owner. As a majority owner, there were concerns they would be another Kraft in New England.
Because they both wanted a team and had different ideas on ownership stakes and club white papers.
I would have thought they would lose interest if they couldn't have a team play in their football stadium.
Nashville's MLS Expansion Bid Releases Plan, First Renderings for 30,000-Seat Stadium
https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/08/14/nashville-mls-expansion-bid-stadium-plan-renderings
Ambitious group who should get an MLS spot.
https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/08/14/nashville-mls-expansion-bid-stadium-plan-renderings
Ambitious group who should get an MLS spot.
2 cities will be selected this December. 2 cities will be selected a later date.
Sacramento is a lock. I guess Nashville may take St.Louis place if stadium plan goes through.
MLS has been intentionally vague about when the next two would be announced. They have sometimes made it seem like we may get all four at once, shortly after, later next year, or whenever they feel like it. This is probably to put pressure on investors and local officials to hurry up and get their ducks in a row, because if you don't make it into this four, your out.....Until MLS goes to 30....32....and more?
First two are to apply pressure, second two are to secure the most desirable markets.
Also, the next media rights deal is negotiated in 2022. I think all four will be in by then, and with announcements happening two years before the team takes the field, that would make the deadline for #27 and #28 December 2019. Or two years after the #25 and #26 announcement. A year earlier is possible, but if Detroit needs more time, for example, they'll wait out the full two years.
I hope the announcement of #28 is simultaneous with an announcement that they'll expand to 30 by 2026, because there were too many good bids to choose from.
A bit of a wrench in this timeline is when Garber retires. He's already been hinting at it. He's 59. I know he'll see out expansion announcements to 28. But if he stays in office until they hit the field in 2022 and negotiates the next media deal, he's now into a 4-year cycle that ends with a US World Cup. Would he really retire right before that happens? On the other hand, will he really do this another 8 years?
I hope so. He's been very, very good.
Bud Selig retired after 17/23 years at MLB when he was 81. Tagliabue was 65.
Considering how big of an impact he has had on this league and game in the US already, and how much more room he has to continue advancing the league, it wouldn't surprise if he wants to take this as far as he can to leave the biggest legacy possible. I'm guessing his health will play the biggest role in his decision, last I knew he was past his cancer battle, but we all know how cancer is. Hopefully the king will reign forever!
Garber will hang around till 2026 if Concacaf get the world cup.
If they get the world cup,id also expect MLS to expand to 32 teams.
24 - Miami
25-32 id imagine would come from one of these cities.
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Las Vegas
- Phoenix
- San Antonio
- Nashville
- North Carolina
- Indianapolis
- St Louis
- Detroit
- Cinncinatti
- Tampa Bay
If they get the world cup,id also expect MLS to expand to 32 teams.
24 - Miami
25-32 id imagine would come from one of these cities.
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Las Vegas
- Phoenix
- San Antonio
- Nashville
- North Carolina
- Indianapolis
- St Louis
- Detroit
- Cinncinatti
- Tampa Bay
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