Expansion into Major League Soccer did not use to be like this. From Toronto FC’s near-decade-long mire to Orlando City never making the playoffs, it is not normal for MLS expansion teams to be competitive from the moment they take to the league. Just ask Minnesota or FC Cincinnati or San Jose or Vancouver.
But the explosive early success of Atlanta United and Los Angeles FC has changed the record. Expansion teams being immediately competitive and successful is the new normal, and everyone wants a piece.
A team based in Charlotte will commence their MLS journey in 2021 alongside Austin FC.