Despite not being invited to meet with league officials, a San Antonio MLS team is still possible, according to Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman.
Reps from three cities — Sacramento, Minneapolis and Las Vegas — were asked to meet with MLS officials late last week to discuss expansion plans, stadium strategies and business overviews. MLS is expected to add two more cities to league ranks by 2018, but there’s been no decision on finalists.
Hartman has been pushing a move of his NASL Scorpions to MLS, a plan that would require an expansion of Toyota Field and investment in expansion fees. This would require some level of city investment, and at least one new partner. Hartman has met with Japanese investors and From the San Antonio Express-News:
Those reports characterized the aforementioned cities as the lone contenders, but Hartman said he believes the Scorpions are still in the mix.
“I’ve seen the reports, and I’m feeling very comfortable that the process we’re working with will move forward as planned,” Hartman said. “I can’t say much more than that.”
Hartman was short on detail, as has been the case more frequently in recent months with investor interest in purchasing the club he founded as a philanthropic endeavor growing.
Whether there’s enough support in San Antonio remains to be seen: despite some interest from the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), there seems to be more enthusiasm for a long-shot Oakland Raiders (NFL) bid than any investment in an expanded soccer stadium.