Im looking particularly at Dallas, New England, and Chivas USA. There are cities out there that are licking their chops for a team as it stands; Orlando looks very aggressive, Minnesota has a stadium deal in place, Baltimore seems ready and willing, San Antonio im sure would be more than willing to take up an MLS team, Sacramento could soon be without the kings. These teams have had the chance to re-invent themselves multiple times and/or get a stadium deal in place and are just languishing. its probably time we get some of these ineffective organizations out of the picture, and while buying out isnt ideal, it can sure as heck get a city with a more ideal climate to take a team in the chance and at the same time get rid of the eyesore empty stadia we see sometimes. thoughts?
2 things.... 1. Wizards to Rochester!!!!! 2. The market will take care of it. If San Antonio wants an MLS team and it can put together a stadium deal and an investor group, then they are free to make an offer to any MLS team willing to sell. If indeed the new market will outperform the current MLS team then MLS will certainly approve the sale.
In metro Boston, it's those 2 facts plus wicked whacked politics, zoning, MBTA subway access, property costs, and, not entirely redundant, the owner protecting his stadium investment.
The one thing we should have learned from Kansas City is that it's all about ownership. Location of the stadium, or the city itself - while contributing factors - do not determine success or failure.
No, I meant with the "every team is already controlled by MLS" nonsense. I feared we were going to go down the 51% rabbit hole again. But your take is valid, too. Everybody has a permanent solution to temporary problems.
Seriously, the only team that has the potential to relocate will be Chivas USA, the Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel piece with Chivas USA, not only hurt the public image of MLS but the team itself which has a lease that is set to expire soon. I personally think Chivas USA will be sold to Beckham's Miami interests and relocated. As for the New England Revolution, I think they are still sitting on the plan in Somerville unless the City of Boston presents an opportunity. I could even see Connecticut looking into building a stadium for Robert Kraft, he can afford the waiting game with his team otherwise he would've left the venture years ago.
The league needs Dallas and the revolution.... The ONLY team that needs to move and should even be considered is Chivas and that's just because they are an abomination to the league with their outright attempts to be the worst franchise in American sports history. This league is just going to have to expand to 30-32 teams because there are so many good bids.
I wonder too if it is a conflict of interest with Kraft and his son owning the Revs AND the NE Patriots? I think the Revs would be in a much better framework if they were controlled by owner-operators who were mad about round football.
I have faith in the Revolution... They have a long and strong history in MLS, I don't want to see them go anywhere... except maybe to Boston proper. Now, something needs to be done with Chivas USA. That is just an abomination and an embarrassment. Personally, I think they should rebrand as California Empire FC/SC. And be considered the blue-collar team of LA but out in Riverside/San Bernardino while LA Galaxy is the celebrity white-collar team.
I honestly think that MLS fans are way to concerned about attendances, I think "matchday income" and sponsorship revenue must be added to the picture before we can make a verdict on a team. As for NE I´m sure that a stadium in Boston proper would have better attendances, I´m also convinced that a Chivas with a new name (because the name itself alienates way to many people) and stadium somewhere in L.A might prosper.
No way on Dallas, they have a very nice SSS complex. Their situation is marketing and now since its Hunts only team after selling the other 2, I can see an emphasis coming from within. MLS is not leaving the Boston/NE market. The SSS would cure a lot of the problems even if the owner is still somewhat questionable about his goals with the team. Best bet is Chivas and I agree with the other post. Relocation of Chivas would then actually give the MLS a chance to go into 5 new markets- rather than the 4 that gets us up to the 24. So now you can take MIA, ORL,ATL to cover the south east and then 2 more markets in other areas to give an east/west balance or other gaps on the map. Chivas leaving LA may hurt Stubb Hub center from having fewer events and helping on the rent, but it may slightly increase LAG attendance for fans who simply enjoy going to see soccer. By having most teams in their own SSS, you will not see those teams contracted or relocated. They simply need to continue marketing efforts and put a good product on the field.
Its not the rent for the StubHub thats the negative about Chivas moving, its the fact that MLS will no longer have 2 clubs in the LA mega-region. 2 teams in the LA TV market is most likely more useful/profitable than a relocated team in say New Orleans, Nashville and probably Sacramento, minus the franchise fee.