As the MLS expansion process continues, commissioner Don Garber is indicating that the league will soon make a key announcement.
The push to join the MLS has become competitive. Several plans are already in place for the next two years–including in Atlanta and Los Angeles, where new stadiums are set to open in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In addition, Sacramento Republic FC officials are optimistic about their chances of gaining an MLS entry.
It has been expected that the MLS will reveal some news soon, and recent remarks from Garber back up those expectations. More from MLSSoccer.com:
“Let’s start with the first one, Atlanta,” Garber said. “They made a presentation at our board meeting, 31,000 season ticket deposits, unbelievable technical development, a training ground, so we know they’re coming in next. We know we have another announcement in a couple of weeks of who will join them.
“We’ve got two more teams after that. LAFC are going to break ground on their stadium in two weeks and we hope to still get something done in Miami, but then we’ll have four more teams [after that]. I can’t tell you when that’s going to be, we’re going to be careful and we’re going to make sure that we manage the technical aspects of expansion, but there’s a lot of interest, probably a dozen cities for those last four spots.”
It is widely expected that Garber’s announcement in a few weeks will be that Minnesota United FC will begin play in 2017. As noted in our latest MLS expansion odds update, Minnesota United FC owners have discussed the possibility of joining Atlanta as one of two expansion franchise in 2017. The Pioneer Press also reported on that possibility on Thursday.