MLS announces support for future expansion to 28 clubs
Major League Soccer is willing to make room for four more clubs.
On Saturday, at the MLS Board of Governors meeting in Columbus, Ohio, the league's owners announced their support for future expansion to 28 clubs, a total that goes beyond the league's current plans of featuring 24 teams by 2020.
"There is no shortage of demand for MLS expansion teams, and we believe the opportunity exists to grow beyond our current plans," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "During the next few months, we will evaluate the possibility of growing the league to 28 teams and establish a process and timeline should we decide on further expansion."
The update bodes well for David Beckham's ownership group, Miami Beckham United, who finally secured a stadium development site adjacent to the Miami Marlins' stadium, Marlins Park, on Friday. The proposal, necessary for Miami to obtain an MLS club, was in danger of falling apart after talks with the land owners of six private properties stalled.
Related: Beckham MLS group obtains stadium site at last
"We are very supportive of Miami Beckham United's plans to build a soccer stadium in the City of Miami's Overtown neighborhood," Garber said. "Their vision for a world-class venue within the urban core that is accessible by mass transportation is impressive, and we believe it will be an important part of the continued revitalization of the area. We look forward to working with David and his partners to finalise plans to bring Major League Soccer to Miami."
In addition to the 20 clubs that competed in MLS this season, three clubs will be joining the league in the coming years. They are:
- Atlanta United FC - 2017
- Los Angeles FC - 2017
- Minnesota United FC - 2018
While that leaves one spot available for a club in Miami, Sacramento Republic FC of the United Soccer League has also rated highly on Garber's list of clubs to join MLS, meaning the team could be part of the second wave of expansion.