So, if this ends up getting blocked, do they have an alternative option on where to play? Otherwise Boston may get tossed.
It might get delayed but no way Boston is getting tossed. Remember, they've spent millions on the expansion fee already, and NWSL has prepped for them to enter. We're not in little league territory anymore. If NYCFC can play in a baseball stadium for over a decade in MLS while they work out an actual stadium plan, Boston can find an alternative stadium for NWSL until they get one of their own.
They're currently negotiating the lease. The time for public input has gone by and approvals are in place. Asking the state to block this is the longest of long shots because this isn't a DCR property, it's all Boston. The only way they're going to be able to do this is by saying this is an exception to general home rule, and they would need the state to determine that this lease is a disposal of park land, which to be fair has been their argument all along, but leasing property while maintaining its core function isn't disposal, in my opinion.
Cleveland Soccer Group, aiming for NWSL bid, acquires state-owned land for planned $150 million stadium - Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland bid is gaining steam. When the league hits 16 teams, do they opt for two conferences? EAST: Boston, Gotham FC, Washington, NC Courage, Cleveland, Orlando, Louisville, Chicago WEST: Seattle, Portland, Angel City, Bay FC, San Diego, Utah, Houston, Kansas City
Maybe, but it feels like 20 would be the time to split, just for scheduling purposes. The logical schedule for conferences of 8 is playing home and away vs conference opponents (14 games) and alternating years of home and away vs non conference (8 games). That drops you to 22 games from the current 26. At 20 you do the same thing but you get 18 conference games and 10 non conference, giving you 28 total.
I mean, MLS has always had 2 conferences. People want them to do 4 divisions now that they're hitting 30 teams.
I mean, geographically it made a ton of sense, and still would today. It's a bit odd for the sake of the playoffs, but heck, MLB has done (multiples of) three for decades and it's suited them just fine.
My favorite era, but I also miss the Adams, Norris, Patrick, and Smythe divisions in the Campbell and Wales conferences.
I wouldn't trust random Reddit rumors, especially with the way that particular post was written and by who, but the ownership group did just buy a large amount of land ostensibly for their stadium earlier this week, so that is suggestive of itself. Actual links for those interested: https://www.reddit.com/r/NWSL/comments/1g0kgnz/welcome_to_the_nwsl_cleveland/ (only thing I've found posted today) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5819621/2024/10/05/nwsl-expansion-cleveland/ (from Saturday) https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cleveland-pushing-to-become-next-nwsl-expansion-team/ (essentially the same as above, but posted yesterday) https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/10/09/cleveland-favourites-land-16th-nwsl-franchise/ (yesterday, labeling the group as "favorites" but giving far fewer details than the Reddit rumor)
Just expanding on these for any potential insight past team #16: The Athletic mentions Cincy, Denver, Jacksonville, Minnesota, Atlanta, and Nashville, though admits Minnesota already pulled out. The Reddit rumor mentions Minnesota, Nashville, and Miami, as well as Cleveland being part of a group of "2 or 3 [bids with] certain locations" for their stadiums. At least, that's what I get from how it's worded, with the wording being admittedly suspect in places. And that does seem weird with all three of the "uncertain stadium" bids actually having reliable existing stadiums, so I don't know what to make of things there... Though, to be fair, going on the Sportico report from August, Cleveland was top three with Cincy and Denver, so cross-checking the sources like that would paint a consistent picture and suggests those two might be 17+18 if the MLS-backed bids don't improve. Interesting to me that Austin isn't apparently in the mix.