SF will probably build a stadium before they ever help out or resolve the homeless problem. I think a few years ago they came up with a solution by housing them at the ritzy Mark Hopkins Hotel but they soon kicked them out when they were starting crack fires and making a mess.
Detroit, Phoenix, Tampa Bay, SF/Oakland Cleveland, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Baltimore... that's 12 possibilities for 10 spots. But then I think three other possibilities should be NYC 3, LA 3, Inland Empire... that's 15 for 10.
I recall when they began construction on the San Francisco Giants Oracle Park in late 1997 and early 98, along the waterfront area in China Basin in the up-and-coming neighborhoods of South Beach and Mission Bay. That whole area was kind of a mess forever but when the stadium finally opened, it approved that section of town 100%. It’s not inconceivable that they build it in the water underneath the Bay Bridge, near the Ferry Building, the Embarcadero or near Pier 39 but I’m sure someone will object to it. I recall reading they wanted to build some type of stadium in the old Candlestick Park area but that area is always cold and windy , summer or winter.
I can see Detroit, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Sacramento, Las Vegas and either Cleveland, Pittsburgh. If one of those isn't happening maybe San Antonio or Jacksonville. There's definitely no room for a third team in NYC, when the two that exist are pretty invisible and there'll probably be a NWSL team in 5 years. Inland Empire sees Los Angeles as its hub. Tampa Bay isn't going to happen because of Orlando. The Bay Area already has a team. LA has 3 teams averaging over 20k, one of them plays in NWSL. I don't see any investors being attracted to Baltimore. But then I didn't see Charlotte coming.
Now that Detroit City has found a stadium location wouldn't it be ironic if they sell to a major investor who puts in a MLS bid?
The big problem with the Inland Empire is that they have no central population area. It's all spread out with the closest being, as you say LA, but that's not Inland Empire at all. NYC I think certainly could have another team, but that's a nightmare trying to get it a stadium. They would need to see quick success int the NYCFC stadium to convince investors and the league it is a good move though. It's really the only chance to have an intra-city rivalry like happens in places like London. (No, LAG/LAFC nor the Red Bulls really count despite their names on paper.) In general, I don't know how much NWSL is seen as direct competition in high population areas. I'd like to see Raleigh on there as they are a soccer hub, are a great sports area, and would be a good rival. I don't see it happening though.
-------------- At this point MLS loses me (and I am close already) as a fan, as we just going to be like every other bloated US based sports league. It would have been nice to be different in a very crowed sports market .
There are some major differences. The London area has close to 25% of the population of England and Wales. The NYC Metro area has 5% of the population of the lower 48. Soccer is the only major sport in London in terms of attendances, other than the occasional big rugby match, cricket international or NFL game. NYC already has 11 major league teams. Most locals don't even know that New York City and the Red Bulls are different teams and there's next to no media coverage. I'm not even convinced that "Sponsor's Name Here" Stadium will fill up on a regular basis. I think they'll average around 21,000.
New York Cosmos with a soccer stadium somewhere in Brooklyn LA Aztecs with a soccer stadium in the Chavez ravine parking lot
I am pretty bullish on expansion in places others are not, especially in places in close proximity to existing franchises (Tampa, Raleigh, SF, Baltimore, San Antonio, Cleveland, etc.), but even I don't see much chance for a 3rd NY or LA (Inland Empire) team. Yes, first and foremost the team/ownership group and bid have to be rock solid. But I also think the league is interested in increasing the footprint of the league into new territories. Michigan, Arizona, Indiana, Nevada, etc. I think that approach has some validity.
NFL: 32 teams MLB: 30 teams NBA: 30 teams NHL: 32 teams (plus Phoenix can rejoin) MLS: 29 teams (SD will make 30 in 2025) As someone who has been around since the birth of MLS, the contraction from 12 to 10 in 2001/2002, and the Chivas disaster, I can hardly believe us sitting at 29 teams, 30 next year! 20 years ago, in 2004, there were still 10 teams. In thexw1 years from 2005 to 2025, the league added 21 teams, and lost one. Next year MLS will have as many teams as MLB or the NBA. I cannot hardly believe it. But the NFL is sniffing around international expansion. So is the NBA, domestically as well, in Seattle. And technically, the NHL has 33 teams atm. MLS is not gonna stop at 30. Sacramento & Indy are actively seeking teams, and they are not alone. Especially with Messi here, the Copa America next month, Club World Cup in 2025, and the World Cup in 2026, I cannot believe MLS does not cash in and do another round of expansion. On the homeftont, most of the clubs are doing well, attendance wise. Everyone over 18k save for the Rapids. Stadium wise, Freedom Park is under construction in Miami and set for 2025 opening, I think. NYC are approved, construction supposed to begin this summer/fall. Open in 2027. Point being, there are no major fires for the Don to put out in MLS. Yeah, a SSS in Boston and a Fire House in Chicago would be nice. And Colorado needs some attention. But nothing dire. The Apple deal is locked in. The situation with the USOC needs attention. Snapdragon & Freedom Park will mean a slight attendance boost next year. In terms of total revenue, attendance, and average revenue per club, MLS is a top 10 league in the world. And closer to 6th than 10th.
As a proponent of 40: 1) Biggest markets: Detroit & Phoenix 2) Sexiest markets: Vegas & SF 3) Hungriest Mayors: Indy & Sacramento 4) Best soccer history: TB Rowdies That's 7. There are heat issues, stadium issues, ownership issues, and past failures amongst them. But if I was gonna pick 10, I'd include those 7.
The thing with MLS expansion, or expansion for ANY league in the US/Canada is having the right ownership group. That's the biggest hurdle and most challenging aspect. While there isn't a shortage of Billionaires in the US, Canada and Mexico, there is a shortage of Billionaires willing to drop $1B+ on a MLS expansion team. Ownership is the biggest hurdle to Sacramento ever getting into MLS. If they above weren't true (shortage of willing Billionaires) they'd already be playing in MLS. After finding the right ownership group, the next biggest hurdle is where the proposed team will play. Is there currently a place, and/or a realistic PLAN to build one, to play in (one that meets the standards for a nation's top league)?
Has there been an update on Miami's construction progress? Last I saw it was still clearing and foundation work. Nothing vertical so far.
Competing bids in Indy? https://fox59.com/indiana-news/indy-eleven-owner-says-stadium-construction-can-begin-next-month/
They're not building on a damn cemetery. If MLS is having problems with the golf course from hell in Miami, they sure as ******** ain't going to deal with a bunch of dead bodies.
Exactly. Not to mention everything seems to be falling into place for the Mayor's stadium proposal. NEW: @INDairport has confirmed it is moving ahead with plans to decommission the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport—a key step in the city’s efforts to redevelop the site. The property is a key parcel in the city’s effort to attract a Major League Soccer team.https://t.co/4fezd9HcpK— Mickey Shuey (@MickeyShuey) May 31, 2024 #NEW The Indianapolis Airport Authority sent this letter to City-County Council President Vop Osili on May 28. It confirms that the IAA is moving forward with closing the downtown Heliport.This is also the site where Mayor Joe Hogsett wants to build a MLS stadium. @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/6LQbXrbMaF— Lauren Kostiuk (@laurenkostiuk_) May 31, 2024
Random note on Detroit as an expansion city. The story about Detroit City FC acquiring the abandoned Southwest Detroit Hospital site for a new stadium has already been mentioned. Ford has now completed the renovation of Michigan Central Station, also in the same area, as its new tech campus. IMHO, Detroit is looking very likely for expansion, and would be a strong addition.
I think Detroit City FC have established community roots and a loyal following to the point they could cope with a MLS team in town. I'm in social media groups totally unrelated to soccer where Detroitonians proudly tout Le Rouge. It might knock 20% off their attendance but I don't think it would be fatal. MLS is evil.
It would certainly be interesting if DCFC is the branding that is moved up to MLS tho. It would certainly be interesting to see the implosion of certain fans. But on a serious note, a number of the DCFC fans that I see on Twitter view the possibility of a Detriot MLS club as MLS trying to kill DCFC.
------------ I am beginning to agree more and more about the MLS is evil thing. MLS putting competing teams everywhere against USL. Jumping into the Indy11 project Screwing up the Open Cup Giving us a needless MLS_Mex League Cup. Garber has no sense of history of the game. The MLS fans saved the Crew. Can the Detroit fans save DCFC if MLS shows up? My worry is DCFC builds a stadium and then MLS goes and throws a team in Detroit Lions dome--- would be kind of cheap as no stadium costs, just team costs. Hopefully DCFC can design a stadium that can expand---and if MLS is going to happen-- they simply move up like all the other teams that came up from other leagues... Fingers crossed
Where did MLS jump into the Indy XI thing? The city approached MLS after the Indy XI developer asked for $280M to pay for the thing that's supposed to pay back the city. He's turning out to be as dodgy as hell. The city turned to MLS and said if we put a stadium here would you be interested?