Report: Chivas USA may sit out 2015 MLS season after expected sale
Major League Soccer may play the 2015 season without Los Angeles-based Chivas USA, Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus reports.
The league has been working to engineer a sale of the franchise, and is expected to do so by the end of this year. Per Straus: "SI.com understands that a front-runner has emerged to own and operate the second Los Angeles-area franchise. The investor group includes an 'L.A. component,' according to a source, and is prepared to spend more than the $100 million MLS received last year from the owners of New York City FC."
This despite the fact that Chivas USA currently own a 6-15-6 record, sit in last place in the Western Conference, and are about to miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
Considering the franchise's long-standing futility, it's expected that the new ownership group will embark on a complete rebrand and cultural overhaul, including a new name, logo, front-office staff, and soccer-specific stadium (the sale is contingent on keeping the team in L.A. and building an arena).
"But time could be running out to put a rebranded team on the field in 2015," writes Straus, "leaving the league to play its 20th season with only 20 clubs."
He adds that "Five sources either affiliated with current MLS clubs or who have knowledge of the Chivas sale process told SI.com this week that such a plan is on the table for a new ownership group and that MLS is prepared to play the 2015 season, and perhaps 2016, with 20 clubs."
The transaction can reportedly be confirmed as early as Oct. 6, when the league’s board of governors is scheduled to meet in Los Angeles.