Has anything changed since this?

sounderfan · Nov 19, 2004

GARBER ON SEATTLE'S EXPANSION BID:

"Seattle was very close. Seattle and Adrian Hanauer, his family and partners were very committed and we met with Dave (Checketts) at a time when we had not yet finalized our deal with Adrian (Hanauer) and we believed that Dave (Checketts) in this city could get going in 2005 in a fashion that would lead to more success short term and long term than what we were looking at in Seattle.

"It doesn't take away anything from the Hanauer family or our belief in the market. They are certainly at the top of the list. We've had lots of discussions in the last couple of weeks after we finalized our decision with Dave (Checketts) and I'm very excited about the opportunity there. It's a strong soccer market with a great history of success both at the A-League, college level and women's sports level. It's a great sports town. We also like to think of Seattle as the gateway to Asia and we've had a lot of interest from teams in Korea and Japan to get more involved with Major League Soccer. Adrian (Hanauer) has had great discussions with the Seahawks and as you know this League was very instrumental in helping to push the vote for the approval of funding for Seattle Seahawks Stadium. There are many things there (in Seattle) that have us encouraged."
Click to expand...

Hmmm. Seattle as a gateway to Asia/Asian soccer?

http://www.athletic-scholarships.net/major-league-soccer.htm

GMan Eric · Nov 22, 2004

Until there's boatloads of $$$ to be made in soccer, I highly doubt it...

Delta Blues · Nov 23, 2004

Regardless of the Asian connection, I still think you can ink Seattle as a 2006 squad in MLS. If MLS signs a top Japanese player for the Sounders It would be a good move IMO. That and Keller coming back could really give an initial boost to attendance. A successful Seattle could be as important as any MLS city. DC, NY, CHI and LA be damned!

terp fan · Nov 24, 2004

From everything the league said last year as the expansion franchises were about to be award and again after it seems clear Seattle will definitely get a team in 2006. My question is who else? Houston is very strong and may hookup with Club America to make it happen. Is Cleveland still in it since the billionaire passed away? We have close to a year to ponder all of this.