MLS owners back Beckham deal
AFP
AFP, NEW YORK: Major League Soccers board of governors approved the planned new stadium location for David Beckhams expansion team in Miami on Saturday and backed future MLS expansion to 28 teams.
On the eve of the 20th MLS Cup championship match between the Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers, club owners backed the deal announced a day earlier by Beckham to purchase land northwest of downtown Miami to build a stadium for what will be the North American leagues 24th team.
Expansion teams in Atlanta, Minnesota and Los Angeles are also set to join the league in the next three years. No timetable has yet been set for Miamis entry, delayed for years as Beckham and civic leaders sought a stadium site both could support.
We are very supportive of Miami Beckham Uniteds plans to locate their stadium in the City of Miamis Overtown neighbourhood, MLS commissioner Don Garber said.
Their vision for a world-class venue within the urban core that is accessible by mass transportation is impressive, and we believe it will be an important part of the continued revitalization of the area.
Owners also decided to add four more teams to the league but said the process and timeline for expansion to 28 clubs would be unveiled at a later time. The league has already been in discussion with groups in other cities about stadiums and teams, including Sacramento, California.
Owners approved a two-week break from June 2-14 in the MLS season next year during Copa America Centenario.
