MLS at 20: Beyond the Horizon

In the second of our MLS at 20 features, we take a look at the likely newcomers to the league as expansionism continues to be a key theme.

With applications coming in thick and fast for franchises to be set up all across the USA in particular, important decisions regarding soccer’s future must be made.

Ensuring new teams can install a long-term infrastructure is as important as generating a fan base, with several US cities already home to other sport franchises.

Despite surpassing NBA and NHL for average match attendances over the last couple of seasons, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and his team understand the league is in its infancy.

Atlanta Falcons' owner is backing the soccer franchise

Georgia on My Mind

In the immortal words of Ray Charles, MLS has had Georgia in mind for some time and a franchise has been confirmed in Atlanta for 2017.

And Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has shown soccer can compete with America’s traditional ‘Big Four’ sports after funding the new franchise.

Following the arrival of Orlando City this campaign, the Atlanta team will become the second expansion team to be located in the south east of the US.

This is important for the growth of the sport as the region had been without an MLS franchise since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded back in 2001.

Filling a void

Franchises folding is still an issue MLS has to contend with following Chivas USA’s decision to shut down operations at the end of the 2014 season.

However it does not mean that LA will become a one franchise state as Chivas have been bought by a conglomerate that intends to establish Los Angeles Football Club.

The new side are yet to confirm their plans for a stadium, Chivas shared a ground with LA Galaxy, but have revealed they plan to construct their own home.

And yet again key names from other US sports are involved in the set-up with former NBA executive Tom Penn and ex-LA Lakers point guard Magic Johnson among the owners.

Taking the step up

MLS is part of the North American soccer pyramid, with the North American Soccer League (NASL) the tier below – but there is no relegation or promotion for teams between the two.

Instead teams are moved up to the top division if they meet a certain criteria and that is the case for Minnesota United who will become the sixth expansion team to leave the NASL.

United are planning for entry into MLS in 2018, but if the LA based side are not able to meet their deadline then Minnesota could have a team 12 months earlier.

Becks is setting up a Miami franchise

The move into Minneapolis is bold as the state already houses a baseball, basketball and hockey franchise – with the owners of each investing in the soccer franchise.

Beckham’s grand return

The former England captain’s arrival caused global soccer shockwaves and really put MLS on the map when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007.

Upon his arrival he claimed he wanted to grow soccer in the US and it would appear he’s staying true to his word – backing a Miami based expansion franchise.

A second Florida team is still a distance away however, with delays over stadium funding and location major stumbling blocks at the moment.

While rumours have surfaced that 2017 is their target date, it’s too early for any real date to be given but when Beckham is involved speculation is always bound to be rife.

On the box

Not only are more teams joining an ever expanding roster, but MLS coverage is another indicator that the future looks bright for the sport.

In May 2014 a deal was brokered with ESPN, Fox Sports and Univision for the broadcast television rights of the league until 2022.

Totalling around $90 million per-season it is almost five times the value of the league's previous deal and it’s the highest-valued TV rights deal in MLS history.

Images courtesy of Steve Burns and Timothy Hollywood Kahn, with thanks.