MLS announces its intention to expand its reach to 30 teams

Major League Soccer has announced its intention to expand its reach to 30 teams in the coming years, while the previous goal was 28 clubs established by the league in December 2015.

The decision was made by the owners at the meetings of the Board of Governors held in Los Angeles. No formal decision has been made on future expanding markets, but the Commissioner's office has been authorized to advance discussions with Sacramento and Saint Louis ownership groups regarding their offers.

The Sacramento and St. Louis groups will be invited to make formal presentations to the MLS Expansion Committee to discuss the final stage of each bid, corporate commitments, group composition ownership, the detailed economic situation of the financing, the strategic plans for the development of supporters, the commitments. about player development and details about community programs.

In addition to Sacramento and St. Louis, the league remains in discussion with several other property groups in other cities.

"Professional football at all levels is booming in the United States and Canada and we believe that many markets could support the success of an MLS club," said MLS commissioner Don. Garber, in a statement. "The expansion over the last 15 years has been a resounding success and a key factor in the continued growth of the league, and we are pleased to see some of the largest business and community leaders representing major markets in America. of the North are actively developing the MLS expansion clubs. "

With agreements in effect with 27 clubs in total, the league plans to select the 28th and 29th extension teams in the coming months with a schedule to be determined for the 30th team.

Expansion costs for the 28th and 29th clubs have been set at $ 200 million. Expenses for the 30th club's expansion remain to be determined.

There are currently 24 clubs vying for the 2019 regular season: the Inter Miami CF (2020), Nashville SC (2020) and Austin FC (2021) expansion teams are starting to play in the next two years, which brings to 27 the total number of MLS clubs. .

MLS is currently the largest professional league in the world.

MLS expansion schedule