Tuesday, October 29, 2013

MLS Expansion: The Miami Beckham's??

David Beckham
So, it appears that Major League Soccer is on a bit of a growth curve these days.

America's top level professional league currently has 19 teams, and many of whom play in new or newer stadiums that are often full of fans.

And while the league has had success in the Northwest with Seattle and Portland, several Midwest teams and a smattering in the Northeast, they've not made a move in the south.

That may change as a report today stated that Soccer legend David Beckham is interested in bringing a franchise to Miami. And before you say it, yeah, we know, nobody considers Miami part of the South. But that's another story for another day.

Beckham, when he signed his deal to play for the L.A Galaxy a few years ago, had a clause put in his contract that said he could get a franchise for a mere $25 million. Big money to you and me, not so much to Becks...

We might add here that MLS Commish Don Garber wants to bring MLS from 19 to 24 teams by 2020. Bringing Miami onboard, combined with Orlando, who just passed a deal for a new stadium and Atlanta who's been all but guaranteed a franchise when the Falcons get their new stadium built, puts the tally at 22. We are guessing, Garber will find 2 more in the next 6-plus years.

Add NYC FC and that means that only one spot is open...

In June, Beckham toured Sun Life Stadium (where the Miami Fusion floundered the first time MLS went to south Florida) and Florida International University. They also met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

FIU wants to court the Beckham Group- that included Marcelo Claure, president and CEO of Brightstar Corporation.

Beckham also visited Montreal, San Diego, and Orlando...

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