Expansion in MLS continues to come in at a blazing hot pace. The league announced their timeline, process and new fees today for the upcoming round of expansion in the league to help see the league go from 24 clubs to 28.
Interested expansion owners must submit expansion applications by January 31, 2017. The MLS expansion committee and Commissioner Garber will then review expansion applications and conduct in-person meetings with potential expansion owners and officials from the prospective markets. These meetings will take place during the first and second quarters of 2017.
Three key aspects are considered top priorities when reviewing candidates:
- A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.