MLS, United F.C. to make 'major announcement' on 'future of soccer in Minnesota'
MINNEAPOLIS -- It looks like the Twin Cities' foray into Major League Soccer will become official Wednesday morning.
MLS commissioner Don Garber and Minnesota United FC owner Dr. Bill McGuire will make "a major announcement" on "the future of soccer in Minnesota" at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Target Field, according to a release from the league. The sides are expected to confirm rumblings from the past two weeks that United will become MLS' next expansion franchise.
The league and North American Soccer League team that plays in Blaine said last week they were in "advanced discussions" about McGuire's plan to bring MLS to Minnesota. That plan features a soccer-specific stadium adjacent to Target Field and a consortium of local power brokers that includes Twins owner Jim Pohlad, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor and former Medtronic executive Dr. Glen Nelson.
The stadium could cost as much as $200 million, in addition to an approximate $100 million expansion fee the league would collect. It's unclear whether McGuire's group would seek public funding for the venue's construction.
"MLS leadership is well aware that the passionate soccer fans in Minnesota combined with a world-class, soccer-specific stadium make the Twin Cities and our state a perfect home for the next MLS expansion team," reads a statement on United's website.
The Minnesota Vikings had been in discussions with MLS about hosting a team in their new indoor stadium but announced last week the league turned down their proposal.
United has been in Brazil for preseason training, which has delayed an official MLS announcement.
