OFFICIAL: MLS Expanding to 24 by 2020!

[BillikenBear]

That's why I'm thinking Memphis would support a team pretty well.

I could see that as well. All in all, it's an exciting time to be a MLS fan. The quality is going up, and unlike most other leagues in the world, we have the landmass and population to expand and get even better. The MLS has barely scratched the surface of the US market.

 

[Jntg4]

I could see that as well. All in all, it's an exciting time to be a MLS fan. The quality is going up, and unlike most other leagues in the world, we have the landmass and population to expand and get even better. The MLS has barely scratched the surface of the US market.

Definitely still several markets that could support teams, and more teams equals more landing spots for top players in the future. Don't want to see expansion too fast as in the NASL, but the league has held a pretty steady but expedient pace since 2005.

 

[BillikenBear]

Definitely still several markets that could support teams, and more teams equals more landing spots for top players in the future. Don't want to see expansion too fast as in the NASL, but the league has held a pretty steady but expedient pace since 2005.

Yeah for sure. I don't know much about the NASL, but from what I've read it seems like the MLS is doing a much better job of managing things both expansion-wise and money-wise.

 

[Jntg4]

Yeah for sure. I don't know much about the NASL, but from what I've read it seems like the MLS is doing a much better job of managing things both expansion-wise and money-wise.

Especially money-wise. MLS's single entity model and smart-but-fast expansion plan have set it apart from the NASL's days rapid expansion to anywhere where someone would cough up some spare change and teams folding annually, and has ensured its long-term viability.

 

[Jntg4]

Attendance has risen every week since Week 11 now and is now back into the 18,000s, and is getting closer to last season's average of 18,807. All the way up to 18,110 now. (Unrelated)

Oh, and Orlando City is near finalizing an MLS stadium deal...
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/08/orlando-city-sc-stadium-project-nearly-a-go/

 

[giaco]

I'm not a fan of STL D-town or Milwaukee not getting a team, but they have to have a stadium and/or stadium plan in place, DEEP pocket owners, and land already marked out and cleared for their project as well as the entrance fee for the league--whatever they negotiate that to be. That being said, STL thought they had the guys for it, but they didn't and their 3rd tier men's team folded within one season. MIltown and The D would be other logical choices for midwest if they are ever going to happen. I don't want our nearest rival to be 8 hours away, but ce est la vie until that changes.

 

[Jntg4]

I'm not a fan of STL D-town or Milwaukee not getting a team, but they have to have a stadium and/or stadium plan in place, DEEP pocket owners, and land already marked out and cleared for their project as well as the entrance fee for the league--whatever they negotiate that to be. That being said, STL thought they had the guys for it, but they didn't and their 3rd tier men's team folded within one season. MIltown and The D would be other logical choices for midwest if they are ever going to happen. I don't want our nearest rival to be 8 hours away, but ce est la vie until that changes.

Forgetting about Indianapolis, 2nd largest city in the midwest now and the Indy Eleven already have the most season ticket holders in the NASL despite the fact they have yet to play a game.

 

[firefan2001]

Forgetting about Indianapolis, 2nd largest city in the midwest now and the Indy Eleven already have the most season ticket holders in the NASL despite the fact they have yet to play a game.

I wonder why? Maybe it's because Peter Wilt is in charge.

 

[Jntg4]

I wonder why? Maybe it's because Peter Wilt is in charge.

Yep, pretty much.

 

[Jntg4]

So Orlando City has the stadium deal highly likely to be finalized with funding already approved and then just drew 10,697 against the Sounders Reserves... and this team plays in the third tier of North American soccer.

 

[firefan2001]

So Orlando City has the stadium deal highly likely to be finalized with funding already approved and then just drew 10,697 against the Sounders Reserves... and this team plays in the third tier of North American soccer.

That's already better than CD Chivas and San Jose close to New England and Columbus, sign them up.

 

[giaco]

Indy could work too, but I think the plan is to hit level at their current tier and then move up, pending success. It is a guarded plan that builds it all from the ground-up using grassroots. I love it, and I hope Peter and Tom do well--but I don't expect them in MLS for a while, if at all.

 

[Jntg4]

That's already better than CD Chivas and San Jose close to New England and Columbus, sign them up.

San Jose is really just because of the stadium though. But ya, Orlando will be very successful in MLS attendance-wise IMO, Miami not so much.

Indy could work too, but I think the plan is to hit level at their current tier and then move up, pending success. It is a guarded plan that builds it all from the ground-up using grassroots. I love it, and I hope Peter and Tom do well--but I don't expect them in MLS for a while, if at all.

True, but we also don't know when the final expansion teams will be announced, if they don't start play until 2020, they may have already gotten to that point in time.

That said, stadium will need to be resolved, they are playing at IUPUI, a place I almost applied to.

 

[Jntg4]

Dolphins owner wants in on Miami team

 

[Jntg4]

With MLS Business Summit going on, was expecting some expansion-related news...
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...n-2020-orando-miami-david-beckham-don-garber/

 

[firefan2001]

Can we get a new team in CHICAGO......

 

[Jntg4]

Can we get a new team in CHICAGO......

C.D. Chivas Illinois?

 

[firefan2001]

C.D. Chivas Illinois?

No I meant can we exchange our current team with a new Chicago team.

 

[Jntg4]

No I meant can we exchange our current team with a new Chicago team.

If the Fire folded, and a new Fire was founded, maybe it wouldn't be held to the Toyota Park lease

 

[firefan2001]

Looks like Atlanta might get an expansion team, but it won't be to 2017. Stadium won't be done to 2017, Falcons will operator the team.

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/12/4724400/atlanta-mls-expansion-falcons-stadium