Expansion Rumors Megathread

[Kjbert]

Nashville and Sacramento. Shovel ready projects in both cities.

Cincinnati hasn't acquired a stadium site yet. They are close on 3 different sites, and the site in Kentucky is shovel ready if they want it to be, but that is important.

I would go Nashville and Cincy but Garber has consistently hinted that Sacramento would get in

 

[sbrylski]

Nashville and Sacramento. Shovel ready projects in both cities.

Cincinnati hasn't acquired a stadium site yet. They are close on 3 different sites, and the site in Kentucky is shovel ready if they want it to be, but that is important.

I would go Nashville and Cincy but Garber has consistently hinted that Sacramento would get in

This isn't true, you're a few weeks behind. The site in Oakley is under their control and funding is all accounted for. I think they are seeking a little bit more public money for infrastructure, but it is non-essential to the deal.

 

[Kjbert]

This isn't true, you're a few weeks behind. The site in Oakley is under their control and funding is all accounted for. I think they are seeking a little bit more public money for infrastructure, but it is non-essential to the deal.

I apologize. You are correct.

Maybe a better way to phrase it is, Cincy isn't shovel ready?

 

[Gotham Gator]

I pretty much agree with sbrylski.

Detroit has the best ownership profile, and that is probably the most important dynamic. But, the switcheroo on the stadium has to leave them last for this round. Let them sort out exactly what they are planning for facilities and bring them back next time. Detroit and this ownership group will get a team, but not in 2019.

Sacramento has upgraded its ownership group, and it now checks all the boxes. Combine that with the existing fan support, I think they are in.

That leaves Nashville and Cincinnati - both very strong bids.

Nashville has the better ownership group and a fully settled stadium plan. I think those two things give it an edge - even over a bid that includes an existing team with insane fan support. It's a close call, but I think the league will want to give Cincinnati time to figure out where to put its stadium.

One last possibility. The league has said that it will award 2 teams now and 2 later. This is under the assumption that Miami finally gets it together and joins the league. If Miami continues to dither, the league will have an odd number of teams again in 2019. Perhaps they add three teams in this round and add Miami with a fourth in 2021 or so.

 

[sbrylski]

One last possibility. The league has said that it will award 2 teams now and 2 later. This is under the assumption that Miami finally gets it together and joins the league. If Miami continues to dither, the league will have an odd number of teams again in 2019. Perhaps they add three teams in this round and add Miami with a fourth in 2021 or so.

I thought about this too, but I highly doubt they will do that. For one, the first two clubs are paying $150 million in fees and the third and fourth clubs are supposed to be paying more. So they'll lose out on some cash. Second, why limit your options before you have to. None of these four bids would disappear if they're not selected this December.

I could actually see them go to a 2-1-1 announcement schedule. Really drive up the scarcity. $150 million each for the first two, $200 million for the next one, and then have One Final Spot (TM) to award for $250 million.

2017 - Cincinnati (East, 2019)
2017 - Sacramento (West, 2020)
2018 - Nashville (East, 2020)
2019 - Detroit (East, 2021)
xxxx - Miami (East, 2021)

 

[ferrarinycfc]

Presentations were made at MLS headquarters today

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017...-presentations-mls-headquarters-new-york-city

 

[SoupInNYC]

Presentations were made at MLS headquarters today

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017...-presentations-mls-headquarters-new-york-city

Early bird gets the worm I guess.

 

[LionNYC]

Presentations were made at MLS headquarters today

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017...-presentations-mls-headquarters-new-york-city

Yesterday since you posted at 5:41 AM today. But yes, presentations were made.

 

[Fantazma]

so when is the decision made? 16th

 

[sbrylski]

Cincinnati's chances take a hit on the news that Ohio would sue to block the Columbus move. First, that means there's no clear resolution on Columbus yet, which might be a barrier to Cincinnati joining. And second, because why would MLS want to build another stadium in Ohio if it'll restrict them. Cincy can revert to Lexington, KY, but when the league has another great bid on the table in Nashville, might as well take the certainty.

 

[LionNYC]

Here's my thoughts on Cincinnati.

Crew moves to Austin: Cincinnati takes over the Ohio-Midwest market

Crews stays in Columbus: Cincinnati-Columbus start a rivalry which MLS wants

So, you can say it's a win-win for Cincy.

 

[ferrarinycfc]

Don Garber: 'Conceivable' other expansion teams could leapfrog Miami

http://sbisoccer.com/2017/12/don-garber-conceivable-other-expansion-teams-could-leapfrog-miami

Garber is a clown and needs to go.

 

[SoupInNYC]

Don Garber: 'Conceivable' other expansion teams could leapfrog Miami

http://sbisoccer.com/2017/12/don-garber-conceivable-other-expansion-teams-could-leapfrog-miami

Garber is a clown and needs to go.

Why

 

[LionNYC]

Don Garber: 'Conceivable' other expansion teams could leapfrog Miami

http://sbisoccer.com/2017/12/don-garber-conceivable-other-expansion-teams-could-leapfrog-miami

Garber is a clown and needs to go.

His contract end after the 2018 season. I think the owners will offer him a new contract and stay until 2022 when all 28 teams, hopefully, are in the league, and more importantly the current TV deal expires.

Then his replacement comes in and powers up MLS ready for the 2026 World Cup after which the soccer in America goes to 11.

 

[ferrarinycfc]

Why

Because how long does Miami get a free pass ? These are the sort of things that make MLS look bush league.

 

[413Blue]

Because how long does Miami get a free pass ? These are the sort of things that make MLS look bush league.

The league, at its infancy, made a deal which was a crucial step in its growth strategy. That deal came with the expansion team option.
So, how long will Miami get a free pass? Ask the lawyers who are privy to the contract.
Or just blame the evil corporate face of the owners, sure.

 

[Kjbert]

Don Garber is the best thing to happen to MLS. Hot take

 

[413Blue]

Don Garber is the best thing to happen to MLS. Hot take

I'd say right behind Phil and Lamar's money, your correct.

 

[Kjbert]

I'd say right behind Phil and Lamar's money, your correct.

You are right.

 

[sbrylski]

Don Garber is the best thing to happen to MLS. Hot take

To MLS? Yes.

To US Soccer? Probably also yes. There are/were other paths to soccer's success in the US, but nobody executed like Garber and those around him did. Not even close.