So MLS will expand to 18 teams. The news are hardly surprising, considering this has been in the works for some time now. Kudos, however, to Don Garber for using the spotlight of the All-Star game to make a “new” announcement: that the two teams will be added by 2011. From the list of candidates, Futbol Insider thinks the following are the most attractive:
- St. Louis: Based purely on its history, St. Louis has to have an MLS franchise. Simply, the city is America’s Soccer Capital of America. Just as important, St. Louis already has an enthusiastic and enterprising ownership group that has all but secured a stadium. Frankly, somewhat surprised Seattle and Philly got teams ahead of St. Louis.
- Vancouver: The success of Toronto FC coupled with the star power of a Steve Nash-led ownership group is an extremely appealing formula. Plus, it makes sense to not only add a 2nd Canadian team but also a 2nd team to the Pacific Northwest.
- Las Vegas: A close 3rd would be Vegas. For obvious reasons, Vegas has always been an interesting allure for professional teams. However, the leagues have backed down because it’s deemed too risky. As a fledging league that has nonetheless reached stability, MLS can offer to take a calculated risk. After all, Vegas and pro sports go hand-in-hand in the U.S. If having a Vegas presence could increase the appeal of MLS among sports gamblers, then MLS could expect a significant ratings and revenue boost. Just ask the NFL.
The rest of the teams, a 2nd NY team, Atlanta, etc. are simply not as appealing.
Miami is appealing and will get an expansion team.
As a South FL resident, I’m extremely partial to a Miami franchise. No doubt MLS ultimately needs to have a presence in Miami. But this time around, two ingredients must be in place.
1. A visionary and committed owner willing to lose money short-term for the sake of the franchise long-term.
2. A soccer specific stadium in a strategic location. Not sure if the former Orange Bowl site (currently proposed as part of the Downtown Redevelopment deal) is ideal. Something closer to the Dade/Broward line might make more sense.
What about Montreal??????? Its bigger than Vancouver, and has no fall or summer sports, and any rivalry with Toronto would be massive. Plus, they have a sucessful A – Leage team. National (Quebec Pride) could be a Barcelona of Northamerican Soccer.
I think Montreal is certainly a worthy candidate. But between Montreal and Vancouver, I would give the slight edge to Vancouver on the basis of geography (prefer to add a Western team) and ownership (Steve Nash’s star power could be extremely appealing).
That being said, I do like your suggestion of Quebec pride and the natural rivalry with Toronto. The success of the Impact and its Stade Saputo should be an appealing option to MLS.
In my book, Vancouver is option 1A and Montreal 1B. But I would not be disappointed at all if Montreal became the 2nd Canadian franchise.
Miami will get MLS in the next 2-3 years
From your lips to God’s ears.
A lot hinges on how the Downtown Redevelopment Plan turns out since a soccer specific stadium is included. If Miami gets a stadium then MLS will come calling.
Would they revive the Miami Fusion name? Or take another?
I agree with your assessment of 1, 2, 3.
St. Louis was basically promised one last year when Philadelphia was awarded a team.
Vancouver has the Steve Nash star power, a great market, and the league is in love with the Canadians right now
Las Vegas may seemingly lack the soccer pedigree, but no one can deny its world appeal and attraction. It does have an excellent youth soccer base and a supportive city/state government. Also one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Right behind in 4th I would probably say Portland . . . a great NASL old school soccer town and a supportive USL-1 fan base.
Yes, Portland is another quality candidate. If memory serves Portland was closely in the running with Seattle for an MLS franchise. Considering how much tradition and fan support there is in the Pacific Northwest, having a trifecta of Seattle, Vancouver and Portland could create some interesting rivalries.