Send a message. Let in other teams that have SSS and pass on Detroit until they either bring a SSS to the table or make significant modifications to Ford field.
I'm truly torn over this. On one hand, it seems to make Detroit's bid drastically worse. No SSS despite a clear directive from the league, and it would be a really bad signal to other expansion bids about their potential nine-figure infrastructure investments.
On the other hand, Detroit is now in play to field a team in 2019. Rumblings indicate MLS now wants at least one team to come in that year to fill the spot held open for Miami and/or balance the league with Columbus moving from the East to Austin in the West. In addition, they just added a third super wealthy owner who has decades of pro sports experience.
There's so many unknowns with just over a month before the expected announcement. I'm going to start making assumptions to clear things up a little:
1. Columbus Crew to Austin is happening in 2019. There doesn't seem to be a will or a way for MLS to stop it. PSV is contractually allowed to do it, the owners won't block him, and politicians in Austin seem welcoming so far. San Antonio's potential lawsuit is a wrench, but should be able to be taken care of.
2. Miami is still stuck. Progress has been made with the stadium site, and the legal challenge already lost. Last word, however, was they are still seeking on additional major investor.
3. MLS will want to admit at least one team in 2019, possibly two, given the above.
Despite Detroit's curveball, I think most people would agree that Sacramento, Detroit, Nashville, and Cincinnati are still the four clear frontrunners. Phoenix and Tampa can't be written off yet though. And Raleigh could come into play with some good development in 2018.
So who comes in and when?
If MLS has essentially settled on the four frontrunners, I have to believe
they will choose FC Cincinnati first to begin in 2019. It's the perfect trade with Columbus' departure from Ohio that year, and more importantly, they are easily the most prepared bid east of the Mississippi to begin MLS play in a year. They have a great temporary venue and are the only one with a full staff, roster, fanbase, and corporate partners.
The second team should be Sacramento. The bid has everything. Zero issues and basically no drawbacks to choosing it. They will be given the full, desired two years to make the jump, beginning play in 2020.
The next few steps depend on how MLS feels about Detroit's stadium amendment, and Miami's progress. If they want another team to come in with Sacramento in 2020, it could potentially be any of Detroit, Miami, or Nashville. That announcement could even be made this December, with three teams added. Else during the summer to give the organization 18 months to prepare.
If I had to bet, I would say MLS delays and negotiates with Detroit, eventually letting them in at Ford Field, but paying at least $200 million in expansion fees. I'll be bold and say Nashville is announced next summer instead of in December 2018. And Miami will finally get their shit together and come in with the last group.
2019 - Cincinnati
2020 - Sacramento, Nashville
2021 - Detroit, Miami