http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-...oup-have-inside-track-to-join-mls-reports-say
Minnesota United is a virtual lock to get promoted to MLS. And I just find it amazing that common sense has prevailed. Given that MLS has so many NFL owners I was thinking that the Vikings owner would get it.
Minnesota just makes tons of sense. I think the article points out that TV loves the Central Time Zone. It also brings in big corporate partners like Target into the fold.
Apparently there is a stadium plan that is very solid that does not involve playing on turf or in a dome.
This is good. I have the sense that the McGuire family and his co-investors are serious about soccer and would do what is needed to have a successful club whereas the Wilf family is just looking for another revenue stream for their NFL football stadium, a model that outside of Seattle has a proven track record of failing.
And yes, that a shout of to the Kraft family whose Revolution won't have a stadium in place until 2026 or so (after the proposed Boston Olympics) and to Mr. Blank of the expansion MLS Atlanta expansion team.
I am glad that Las Vegas is off the table for the next (2024) round, also. Just too tough to play soccer in Vegas through the summer (hello, Qatar!). Only if Miami could also fall off the tabel, too, as that city just does not support pro sport teams well, along with LA II as having 2 LA teams is just anise. That would leave Sacramento, St. Louis, and San Antonio as the leading candidates, all seem to really support soccer.
Once market I am surprised has not been raised as a potential expansion target is Charlotte or Raleigh. Growing southern cities, with a lot of transplants, established soccer teams (women's pro, UNC, Duke, UNCC, etc.) and limited summer sports competition.