Most ready are clearly Sacramento and San Antonio.
I'm thinking it's going to be Sacramento and either Tampa or St. Louis
Most ready are clearly Sacramento and San Antonio.
I'm thinking it's going to be Sacramento and either Tampa or St. Louis
Though a kit with Bern's Steak House as the sponsor would be sweet.From my experience Tampa is a bad idea. Orlando draws part of its fans from there.
That seems like it'd end up being Orlando's problem, no? Orlando was fortunate to be the only (MLS) show in the state, and as such drew from areas that may not have latched on if a local option was available.From my experience Tampa is a bad idea. Orlando draws part of its fans from there.
Why are several people wearing Oscar Chelsea jerseys in this rendering?Look at that MLS crest. It's the identical colors that we have. Just look at our home kit crest.
Blue Angels flyovers for every match!Why are several people wearing Oscar Chelsea jerseys in this rendering?
Oscar to San Diego confirmed?
The 12 Cities Vying for Spots 25 & 26 of MLS Expansion...
- Charlotte, NC
- Cincinnati, OH
- Detroit, MI
- Indianapolis, IN
- Nashville, TN
- Raleigh, NC
- Sacramento, CA
- St. Louis, MO
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Tampa Bay, FL
It's going to be very difficult for MLS to pick two for this round of expansion and then around two for 27 and 28 spots (in addition for any other cities that submit a proposal).
Most ready are clearly Sacramento and San Antonio.
I think Tampa is in the real discussions for one of the spots. They've got a team, they have their own stadium that they're planning to upgrade on their own dime, and they have a very proactive owner that was altruistic enough to help his competitor stay afloat (until he realized the league wasn't worth saving) so he isn't a wallflower-type owner. And a second Florida team is imperative since Beckham is floundering.I'd argue Cincy is more ready than both. Better roster, bigger, and better stadium, more season ticket holders. They could play this March and hold their own with a few signings.
But readiness isn't the key, as the scheduled additions aren't supposed to play until 2020. I could see one coming in 2018 or 2019 as a replacement for Miami though. I'll reiterate my Sacramento replacing Miami prediction in 2019, and San Diego and St. Louis coming in for 2020 in new stadiums.
I think Tampa is in the real discussions for one of the spots. They've got a team, they have their own stadium that they're planning to upgrade on their own dime, and they have a very proactive owner that was altruistic enough to help his competitor stay afloat (until he realized the league wasn't worth saving) so he isn't a wallflower-type owner. And a second Florida team is imperative since Beckham is floundering.
That's only 11. I think we are waiting on confirmation that Phoenix is a bidder, or Las Vegas with their new NFL stadium.
By the way, here's the MLS Expansion Tracker page to refresh all day at work: http://www.mlssoccer.com/topic/expansion/2017/expansion-cities-bids
I want them all.
Throwing something together just for fun, using ideas from Wilt's Pro/Rel Manifesto (https://whatahowler.com/the-pro-rel-manifesto-245d5597f2f8#.g07k1ybe5):
Summary: Two-tier MLS/USL setup. Group of USL teams licensed "major" teams. Trickle them upwards to pace the growth of MLS. Each team must pay for the license, then pay again upon promotion for their full shares. Eventually cap MLS size and institute real pro/rel. Relegated teams retain MLS shares with reduced rights and receive parachute payment to make up for the value.
- "Admit" all 12 for a reduced expansion fee and "Class B" shares with lower profit sharing.
- Put all 12 in USL.
- License all 12 as "major."
- Every two years, promote two highest performing "major" teams from USL to MLS.
- Upon promotion, require additional expansion fee to convert "Class B" shares to full-member "Class A" shares.
- Add more licensed "major" teams in the USL if they desire (likely a bunch of NASL teams jump over).
- Once the league reaches 30 or 32 teams, start an annual pro/rel among licensed "major" teams in USL.
- Relegated teams swap "Class A" for "Class B" shares, earn lump sum parachute payment.
*This is purely for fantasy/fun purposes. Won't happen. I don't even care all that much for pro/rel.
St Louis is out unless they bite the bullet and privately finance their stadium (which for the record they should absolutely do).In order...
St. Louis
San Antonio
Detroit
Sacramento
Tampa (if Miami falters)
Ideally it would be Sacramento and Detroit.
Detroit doesn't have a stadium plan but their backers are filthy rich and have proven they are willing to privately fund new stadium.
Looking at stadium situation, Sacramento is a lock. For a smaller market it is not going to get any better then them. And MLS has run out of big markets to go to, except maybe Detroit, assuming Miami is the 24th team.
I don't want Dan Gilbert in this league. I don't like Dan Gilbert.