Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced plans Thursday for the league’s expansion to 28 teams, including a deadline for owners to apply and a new franchise fee.
The fee for the two teams expected to be granted next year is jumping to $150 million. Garber also set a Jan. 31, 2017, deadline for interested potential owners or ownership groups to apply.
The league has expanded to 22 teams with the addition of Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC, which will debut next season.
The Los Angeles Football Club will join the league in 2018 as the 23rd team.