Don Garber to Expand MSL by 4 Teams, Beckham a Possible New Team Owner
Major Soccer League is prepared to add more teams. According to Don Garber, talks are already underway for four more clubs to be added to the MLS franchise. The MLS would have a total of 24 teams by the 2020 season. The locations of the teams are still being discussed with the potential owners.
This was announced during the annual All-Star game Wednesday night, a day after Hunt Sports Group announced plans to sell Columbus Crew.
Expansion Leads to Wider Fan Base and Increased Vitality
Garber believes the MLS has entered into a period of continuous growth and they should capitalise on it. Having new teams would enable MLS to cover a wider geography and broaden its fan base.
With this expansion, MLS would be able to achieve its vision of becoming one of the best leagues out there in less than 10 years, or by 2022. The expansion is said to have the ability to enhance the vitality of the league.
Increased number of passionate fans and committed workers can only lead to further growth. New traditions and ideas can be expected.
David Beckham, a possible new owner
One prospective and interesting owner is former Los Angeles Galaxy Star David Beckham. The A-list athlete has the option to buy a franchise under his contract. In a possible partnership with Bolivian team Club Bolivar owner, Marcelo Claure, the two areinterested in setting up a team in Miami, where Brightstar Corp, a wireless company owned by Claure, is located.
Beckham might reveal more concrete plans in the next few months. Beckham hinted on having his own team last fall where he pledged unchanging commitment to being an ambassador of the sport and for the country despite becoming an owner of a soccer team.
Some says lining up for an MLS franchise seems to be a reasonable move, considering it would only cost a fraction of what purchasing a MLB or NBA team would cost.