MLS approves Beckham site in Miami, future expansion to 28 teams
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
MLS approved David Beckham's proposed stadium site in Miami and outlined its intent to expand to 28 teams during a Board of Governors meeting in Columbus.
Beckham received the expected approval from the Board of Governors on Saturday to build a soccer-specific stadium in the Overtown neighborhood. The former England captain announced the purchase of several acres of privately-owned land yesterday.
The blessing from the Board of Governors paves the way for Beckham to pursue his intended site and lay the necessary groundwork to secure a MLS expansion team. If Beckham can complete the necessary measures to construct his new stadium, then he is expected to field an expansion team in Miami by the end of the decade.
"We are very supportive of Miami Beckham United's plans to locate their stadium in the City of Miami's Overtown neighborhood," MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Saturday. "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 finalize plans to bring Major League Soccer to Miami."
In conjunction with the decision to approve Beckham's site in Miami, the Board of Governors outlined its intent to expand to 28 teams in the future. The arrival of New York City FC and Orlando City and the contraction of Chivas USA left the league at 20 teams entering this season. Atlanta United FC, Los Angeles FC and Minnesota United are committed to join the league later in the decade, while Miami is slotted for the 24th team once its stadium plans are completed.
The decision to signal the intent for further expansion offers hope to several other markets as they pursue expansion sides. Sacramento Republic outlined ambitious plans to build a downtown soccer-specific stadium earlier this week, while San Antonio features on a list of other markets with a stated interest in joining the league.
"There is no shortage of demand for MLS expansion teams and we believe the opportunity exists to grow beyond our current plans," Garber said. "We will evaluate how to grow the league to 28 teams and establish a process and timeline for future expansion."
The Board of Governors also approved a two-week break next June during the group stage of the Copa Centenario. The decision to halt play from June 2-14 reflects the magnitude of the one-off tournament on American soil, but it also places further pressure on the league calendar and raises the likelihood of more midweek matches next year.
In addition to those broader issues, the Board of Governors also adopted several competition-related measures, including the introduction of a one-match suspension for any player who misses the MLS All-Star Game through injury and the implementation of one start time for all Decision Day matches to conclude the season.
