Yes. Yes it does. This. But it is, like everything else, negotiable. I was merely speculating on the possibility of his trying to negotiate away what looks like the ability to buy a very cheap franchise ($10 million is the most-reported figure) for the ability to buy into either NY or LA for a lesser discount. I have no idea if he's actually doing this, and no real reason to think that he is, but it would not be outside the realm of possibility. After all, Beckham could simply partner with someone who wants into MLS (anywhere but in NY or LA) and would like to pay just $10 million to do it, and convert his "coupon" into a 50% equity stake worth $40-50 million. MLS would be taking a bath on a Beckham franchise at only $10 million and would certainly listen to a proposal that would make that go away. But again, this is all 100% speculation on my part.
In his recent state of the union address Garber flat out said he couldn't exercise the option in NY ... He doesn't say anything about at a discount, he only mentions the ownership option: "Anything’s a possibility other than his right to exercise that option in New York,"
That's what an option is though -- it gives the holder (Beckham) the right to buy something at a prenegotiated price.
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/201...ist-playing-favorites-manhattan-activists-say Nothing really new except a claim of 4000 people signing an opposition petition.
I did on the internet version that only shows 1,600+ signatures, I'm assuming the rest were collected by hand if the number is accurate. I also sent an e-mail to the Protect the Park people several weeks ago and called Queens Borough President Helen Marshall's office and spoke to an aide but that's the extent of my involvement. Christine Quinn and the City Council are the kingmakers here. MLS apparently and very expertly hired a friend of hers as their chief lobbyist. I've thought about reaching out to her office to get a sense of her thinking but haven't done so...yet. I chiefly oppose this as a Red Bulls fan but building in the middle of a major city park is also anathema to me.
What specifically are you opposed to about MLS's plans to build a stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park?
If the Cosmos are still owned by Sela, and the supposed NYCFC crew is AD... well, I can't see them getting along too well to join up and work for a common cause. The Zayeds are not known for putting aside their ego (nor are the Saudi royals). It's possible they're both in this to directly challenge each other.
Assume it is an honest question. How many "years" has MLS had a specific plan to build in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park? What specifically about the petition made you want to sign it? Are you pro-parkland in Queens? Or are you anti-nearby-MLS-competitor-for-NYRB? Or some combination, and/or some other factors?
If I were an obscenely rich sheik interested in promoting my emirate, at this point, I would buy the franchise, arrange to build the stadium on one of those 10+ acre sites near the river that have been suggested for the parkland mitigation, and pay to remove the fountain in the park and revitalize it as prime greenspace. I'd spruce up 4 or 5 of those crappy soccer fields, too. If they want to foment goodwill, this would do it.
Just a thought to throw out there. I was reading some earlier posts in this thread about PSG ownership interested in MLS as well as Red Bull not being happy with MLS and Garber. If these are true, how about this food for thought. PSG ownership buyout Red Bull stake and buy the Cosmos brand, then rebrand RBNY to Cosmos. Man City buys into the "1st team" in NYC out in Queens. Now NY/NJ Soccer fans get the best of both worlds. Cosmos vs NY City FC. Who would the Borough Boys route for then? I also think within the next 5-10 years you will see the salary cap almost gone. Then foreign investors will flood to MLS. Just about every team has their own stadium and name recognition. All it will take to make MLS one of the best leagues in the world and the #1 or #2 sport in the US is a very Liberal to non existant salary cap and foreign investors along with US investors/owners that are willing to spend (sorry Kraft and Kronkey, but you guys will end up out of business or selling) and the American sports fan will find it impossible to ignore. Americans are ready for 1st class soccer in this country. Give them stars like Ronaldo, Messi, Xavi, Chicarito, etc. playing every weekend on US soil and all 20-24 + teams will be sold out every week. Not only will there be 2 teams in NY area, but possibly 3 (Brooklyn) 2 possible in Boston, 2 or 3 in Florida, Detroit, San Diego, St Louis, San Antonio, Arizona....the possibilities are endless.
I'm sure that post will go down well JOEKIR, there is nothing like a post that ignores reality and wanders off into flights of fancy to get the caustic sarcasm rolling here at BS. I think this thread is just about chasing its tail now. Hopefully new posts will divulge some new information - but not this one.
I was merely stating an opinion/theory based on some of the posts in this thread. Do I think any of this will come to reality? Probably not, but a true fan can dream can't he. I do think sometime in the future, some of my observations will come to pass. Hopefully sooner than later. Keep the dream alive, keep supporting your local club, whether it is MLS, NASL, USL or some one off amature club.
I wish I'd been here to end the thread with this fine epilogue. We can take all this up again when there's some more news.
That discount is basically a $25 million credit towards a MLS club, excluding NYC. So Beckham can spend his money anywhere like anyone else. MLS will gladly take it. But in the most expensive market, he loses $25 million right off the back. Probably not the smartest move, but hey, its his money.