Rowdies Confident in MLS Odds as League’s Media Call Focuses on Stadium Plans

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2017/02/01/rowdies-confident-in-mls-odds-as-leagues-media-call-focuses-on-stadium-plans/2559

Rowdies Confident in MLS Odds as League’s Media Call Focuses on Stadium Plans

February 1, 2017

by JAKE NUTTING

Major League Soccer President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott made a concerted effort to avoid showing favoritism toward any of the 12 groups who submitted formal applications to join the league during Wednesday’s call with media members.

The league office will review all applications in the next few weeks and then pass them on to the MLS expansion committee for a comprehensive evaluation over the next few months.

When asked specifically how the Tampa Bay Rowdies stacked up compared to the competition given their status as the largest media market MLS is not currently in, their proposal to privately finance an expansion to Al Lang Stadium and their 40-year history in the market, Abbot admitted those attributes address much of the criteria MLS is looking for in its next four teams.

“I’m not going to rank markets today, we’re at the beginning of that evaluation process,” Abbott said. “But some of the factors cited [about the Rowdies] are factors we talked about just a few minutes ago. What’s the stadium plan, and how is it going to be executed? How does the market help us achieve our overall national goals? What do we think the dynamics of any particular market are to lead us to believe it would be successful. We’re not going to apply those today to any particular market or handicap any particular market, but those are the factors that we’re using in our evaluation.”

The topic of stadium plans came up frequently during Abbott’s call with the media. With MLS only giving bidders a month to complete their applications, many might not have as clear a path to an MLS-level stadium as the Rowdies have at the moment. Some have targeted one stadium site but have not finalized their funding (St. Louis, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Indy Eleven, San Diego, Charlotte), while other groups are in the opposite position of having private money but no finalized site (North Carolina FC, Detroit).

MLS plans on announcing its next two teams at some point in the back half of this year, while the date for the other two expansion has not been determined yet. Bidders will need to get to work quickly if they hope to be part of the first pair of teams, as Abbot made it clear that no prospective market will be chosen unless MLS is 100 percent certain that a stadium will be built.

“You need to have the site under control, you need to have whatever relevant government approvals you need, which varies from market to market, and you need to have the financing secured,” he stated. “When you have those things, absent an act of God, we know that the stadium is finalized and will get built. That’s what we’re interested in.”

In theory this hard stance from MLS favors the Rowdies, as they are one of the few groups currently with a plan that could receive full approval this year. If the public referendum in early May to allow the team to negotiate a new longterm lease with the city is successful, and the St. Petersburg City Council approves the lease, the Rowdies say they could have shovels in the ground in November and be ready to open the expanded facility in 2019.

Being ahead of the game when it comes to a stadium plan at this early stage in the process might not be so critical, though. MLS won’t be in a hurry to rush through its next two members, meaning bidders still have time to finalize or adjust their proposals in the coming months.

“There’s a difference between what you have to have when you file, which was yesterday, and ultimately when we make the selection,” Abbott explained. “That’s why we have said it could take all the way through the end of this year before we’re in a position to make those selections.”

Still, with the seemingly simplest path to a stadium deal and a large swell of support from local politicians included in his application to MLS, Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards is feeling good about his chances at landing an expansion spot.

“We are very encouraged by MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abott’s comments related to our ownership, media market, stadium plan and team history,” Edwards said in a statement. “Our assets stack up well against Major League Soccer’s criteria for selecting expansion cities.”

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http://www.socceramerica.com/article/72155/mls-expansion-twelve-enter-race-for-28.html

MLS Expansion: Twelve enter race for 28

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/01/31/a-dozen-u-s-cities-are-vying-for-two-mls-expansion.html

A dozen U.S. cities are vying for two MLS expansion teams — here's a look at what St. Louis is up against

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http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/01/31/here-s-what-fc-cincinnati-s-berding-put-in-the.html

Here’s what FC Cincinnati’s Berding put in the team's MLS expansion application

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/tom-sorensen-blog/article130015434.html

Why should Mecklenburg County give millions to Marcus Smith for soccer? 2 great reasons

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http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article130037494.html

Dispute flares over control of Sacramento Republic FC brand. Will it imperil Major League Soccer chances?

By Marcos Breton and Dale Kasler

Barely 24 hours ago, Sacramento appeared to be a leading candidate for a Major League Soccer expansion team. On Wednesday, the city’s MLS bid was plunged into chaos amid a dispute over control of its minor league team, Sacramento Republic FC, and the Republic FC brand.

Simmering behind the scenes for months, a rift between lead investor Kevin Nagle and Warren Smith, the team’s founder and president, erupted in public when Smith accused Nagle of violating his agreement with the club by formally submitting a bid to MLS that omitted the Republic brand. Nagle, however, said he doesn’t control the team or the rights to the Republic brand – and hasn’t yet been able to close a deal with Smith to secure control. That meant he had to submit the expansion bid without Republic’s stamp on it to meet a Tuesday deadline set by MLS officials.

League officials declined to say if the absence of Republic FC would imperil Sacramento’s chances for a team, although Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott said “the people in Sacramento believe presenting a unified front is the best way to proceed. … We should give those discussions time to play out.”

Nagle and Smith apparently can’t agree on a value for Republic FC and its brand, whose extraordinary popularity helped pave the way for Sacramento’s MLS bid.

“Is it ever not about money?” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who is trying to broker a settlement.

Worried about the impact on Sacramento’s MLS chances, he scheduled a meeting for Thursday with both men at an undisclosed time and location. He called the dispute “eminently resolvable” and “a momentary issue” but added, “I’m not guaranteeing an outcome.”

Steinberg said he will remind Nagle and Smith that “the public’s interest must come before the private interest.”

Speaking to reporters at City Hall, the mayor said he met with Nagle and Smith when the issue arose several months ago and thought a deal had been worked out, only to see it collapse.

“The best deals break apart two or three times” before being resolved, he said, recalling his days brokering budget agreements as president pro tem of the state Senate.

For now, at least, the two sides appear to be approaching a state of war. Republic FC issued a blistering statement accusing Nagle of violating his agreements with the team.

“This is deeply troubling to us. … If the bid submitted yesterday by Mr. Nagle did not include Sacramento Republic FC, it was in violation of our agreements and without our authorization; and we will take this up with the appropriate parties immediately,” said the statement, released by Republic FC spokeswoman Erika Bjork.

Smith has been unavailable for comment. In response to Republic FC’s remarks, Nagle repeated his commitment to making a deal with Smith.

“We have always been and are committed to finalizing a compelling partnership and we will work with all parties in good faith to ensure this happens,” he said in a prepared statement. He added that he appreciated Steinberg’s efforts to bring peace to the situation.

In an interview late Tuesday, Nagle said “my preference would be to keep the Republic name” if Sacramento’s bid for an MLS team is successful. So far he and Smith haven’t been able to agree on a price.

Nagle submitted the bid to MLS headquarters under the name of Sac Soccer & Entertainment Holdings, a corporation he controls. Eleven other cities submitted bids in addition to Sacramento. Four spots are up for grabs, with MLS expected to choose the first two later this year.

In a conference call with reporters, Abbott tried to downplay the controversy.

“I’d like to minimize some of the brouhaha and hysteria about this,” the MLS official said. “I think it’s fairly straightforward when you take a look at it.”

He added that MLS Commissioner Don Garber has been aware of the situation between Nagle and Smith since last fall and “was personally involved in those discussions.”

Internal friction doesn’t necessarily doom a community’s attempt to get an MLS team; Minneapolis-St. Paul was awarded a team in 2015 even though two competing ownership groups submitted applications.

Until now, Sacramento seemed to be on track for a team. Garber all but awarded a franchise to the city when he visited in April, saying Sacramento was far ahead of the other contenders. Nagle, a retired pharmaceutical executive and minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, had assembled an ownership group that includes the Kings and San Francisco 49ers principal owner Jed York. On Tuesday, he announced that Silicon Valley executive and former gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman also had agreed to invest.

Hours later, confusion and concern about Republic FC’s role in the Sacramento MLS bid began spilling out on social media, where Republic FC fans accused Nagle of abandoning the team’s brand.

“Why would Major League Soccer exclude (the) team that put Sacramento on the map?” wrote Jason R. Riley on Twitter in one typical comment.

The Tower Bridge Battalion, the vociferous Republic FC fan group, said on its Twitter feed: “TBB has, is and always will be (Sacramento Republic FC) until we die. All of the money Kevin Nagle has to offer won’t change that.”

Nagle, in the interview, said Sac Soccer & Entertainment has always been the corporate entity for pushing the MLS bid.

Smith, an entrepreneur who founded the Sacramento River Cats, got Republic FC up and running in 2014. The team has been a runaway success, winning the USL championship in its inaugural season and playing to sellout crowds at its temporary home at Bonney Field at Cal Expo. Nagle signed on as lead investor partway through the 2014 season.

But Smith and Nagle haven’t yet consummated a deal that would allow Nagle to use Republic FC as the vehicle for applying for the MLS franchise. Because of the league’s deadline, he said he had to move forward without the Republic name.

Steinberg said that while he loves the Republic FC brand, he’d hate to see Sacramento’s MLS hopes die because of a dispute over branding.

“We want Major League Soccer, period,” he said.

MLS has 22 franchises and will christen a 23rd in Los Angeles in 2018. The league expects to name two new expansion teams sometime this year, and two more at a later date.

Because it could be months before MLS makes a decision on expansion, Nagle said that leaves time for him to continue negotiating with Smith.

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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/01/31/sacramento-bids-for-mls-expansion-but-what-about-the-republic/

Sacramento Bids For MLS Expansion, But What About The Republic?

9 a.m. Wednesday Update: Sacramento Republic FC has issued the following statement:

“We are just as surprised as our fans to hear that various news outlets are reporting that a bid was submitted to MLS for Sacramento which does not reference Sacramento Republic FC. If these reports are true, this is deeply troubling to us. This journey has always been an endeavor to elevate your team, Sacramento Republic FC, to MLS. If the bid submitted yesterday by Mr. Nagle did not include Sacramento Republic FC, it was in violation of our agreements and without our authorization; and we will take this up with the appropriate parties immediately. We want to thank all of Sacramento Republic FC’s fans for your continued support. This is, and always will be, your team.”

Previous story below:

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http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2017/02/01/a-dozen-u-s-cities-are-vying-for-two-mls-expansion.html

A dozen U.S. cities are vying for two MLS expansion teams — here's a look at the bids

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http://detroit.curbed.com/2017/1/31/14461542/mls-expansion-detroit-gilbert-gores

Gilbert and Gores bid for an MLS expansion team in Detroit

They’ll need a stadium for that

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http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2017/01/31/clt-mayor-no-city-money-for-mls-stadium-under.html

CLT Mayor: No city money for MLS stadium under current terms

On the same day an investment group led by Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith applied for an expansion soccer team, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts all but slammed the door on city government participating in the proposal.

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http://www.abc10.com/news/local/sacramento-submits-bid-for-mls-expansion-franchise/394974246

Sacramento submits bid for MLS expansion franchise

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/02/01/confusion-over-whether-sacramento-republic-is-part.html

Confusion over whether Sacramento Republic is part of MLS bid

Just hours after submitting a bid for a Major League Soccer expansion team, those leading the Sacramento effort were under fire for what the bid did — or didn’t — include.

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http://www.soccerwire.com/notes/soldier-field-in-chicago-to-host-2017-mls-all-star-game/

Soldier Field in Chicago chosen to host 2017 MLS All-Star Game

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2017/01/31/san-antonio-up-against-several-nfl-markets-in-mls.html

San Antonio up against several NFL markets in MLS expansion bid

San Antonio has submitted its application to Major League Soccer seeking one of four expansion teams that will be up for grabs. And while Alamo City leaders are pitching a fast-growing Interstate 35 corridor and a potential television audience of more than 6 million people across a region stretching as far south as the Mexican border and as far west as El Paso, some cities are dangling expensive new stadium plans, while others can brag that they are in states with yet untapped territory for MLS.

MLS officials are not expected to confirm before 5 p.m. Central Time the full roster of cities that met the Jan. 31 deadline to apply for an expansion franchise. But we already have an indication of the level of competition San Antonio is up against.

Multiple cities that are home to NFL teams are seeking an MLS franchise. The list of markets expected to submit expansion applications includes Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati; Detroit; Nashville, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida.

St. Louis, which lost its NFL team to Los Angeles, was expected to submit its application on Tuesday. It’s pitch includes a $140 million stadium that would be home to a new MLS team, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.

San Antonio has no NFL street credentials — although it made an attempt to woo the Oakland Raiders, which may still be in play as the funding plan for a new stadium in Las Vegas may now be in jeopardy. But San Antonio is home to the five-time NBA champion Spurs, and the ownership group behind that franchise is leading this city’s MLS push.

The Spurs are getting their feet wet in soccer with a United Soccer League franchise, San Antonio FC. That team took the pitch at Toyota Field for the first time last season, winning only a third of its matches. Still, the startup franchise drew an average of more than 6,000 fans to its home games during the inaugural season.

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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sd-sp-mls-20170201-story.html

S.D. has competition in MLS expansion race

In the sunshine aboard the USS Midway Museum on Monday, San Diego’s prospects for securing a Major League Soccer franchise looked very bright.

The league’s commissioner, Don Garber, was on hand to accept an expansion application from the ownership group — that single fact notable because Garber didn’t attend a ceremony for any of the other prospective cities.

But the reality is that there are 11 other markets — some of them much larger — that want top-level pro soccer as much San Diego does, and some have spent far more time and energy trying to ensure their inclusion in a league on the rise.

What we know is that MLS is looking to choose two cities by the end of this year to join the league in 2020 as the 25th and 26th teams. Two more cities are expected to be added within a couple of years after that.

A look at those prospective cities and where they stand in the race for the 2020 spots:

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http://patch.com/illinois/chicago/chicago-host-mls-all-star-game

Chicago to Host MLS All-Star Game in August

Soldier Field to be the site of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game scheduled for Aug. 2, league and mayor announce

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http://www.kcra.com/article/sacramentos-mls-bid-didnt-mention-republic-fc/8665767

Sacramento's MLS bid didn't mention Republic FC

Mayor Steinberg: 'This will not end in a penalty kick'

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http://saintpetersblog.com/mls-deputy-commissioner-mark-abbott-talks-expansion/

MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott talks expansion

Gary Shelton

Right now, the race for a new MLS expansion team seems to be in a 12-team tie.

At least, that was the impression from a 45-minute conference call with MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, who was careful not to handicap the race and to say only good things about the contestants.

Abbott did say his Expansion Committee – to be made up of team owners – will want a decision on the next four MLS teams by the start of the year. He repeated that his criteria was 1) whether it has the dyanamics from a fan support criteria to be successful; 2) whether it can add to the league from a media standpoint; 3. whether it has a solid ownership group and 4) its stadium plan.

Where does that put St. Petersburg? Certainly, it would seem to be in the top half. 1) It’s popular. 2) It has the largest media market currently without a team; 3) Plans have been discussed to add to Al Lang and 4) Bill Edwards has been one of the most dependable owners in the NASL.

“Some of the factors are factors that we talked about,” Abbott said.

Said Edwards: “Today Major League Soccer hosted a media call with MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott to discuss the expansion applications they received. We are very encouraged by Deputy Commissioner Abbott’s comments related to our ownership, media market, stadium plan and team history. Our assets stack up well against Major League Soccer’s criteria for selecting expansion cities.”

Are there problems in other cities?

Sure. Sacramento is still working on a unified ownership group. Miami has had problems getting a stadium. Cincinnati is currently in Nippert Stadium. Charlotte has no history of a pro soccer league.

Look at the 12 cities, and it’s easy to put them into four categories, even if Abbott won’t.

1. The favorites: St. Louis, Sacramento, Detroit.

2. The darkhorses: St. Petersburg, Cincinnati, Minnesota.

3. The longshots: Indianapolis, Raleigh, Phoenix.

4. Thanks for playing: Charlotte, Nashville, San Diego.

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http://www.vidaenelvalle.com/sports/article130058754.html

Sacramento Republic FC: MLS application bid without team name ‘in violation of our agreements’

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http://ussoccerplayers.com/2017/02/mls-opts-for-the-big-stage-for-the-2017-all-star-game-soccer-soldier-field-chicago.html

MLS opts for the big stage for the 2017 All-Star Game

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http://kpug1170.com/news/030030-mls-says-12-groups-submit-expansion-applications/

MLS says 12 groups submit expansion applications

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article130130569.html

MLS to give Sacramento groups time to come together for bid

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/01/wiebe-expansion-rush-takes-mls-new-era

Wiebe: Expansion rush takes MLS into new era

I came of age as a soccer fan during Major League Soccer’s expansion era. The only MLS I know is MLS 2.0. I’m spoiled rotten, and I suspect I am not alone.

On Tuesday, as 12 expansion applications flooded in from major-league caliber cities and ambitious ownership groups from just about every corner of the United States, I was reminded just how #blessed we are to be North American soccer fans in 2017 – and how much progress the league has made in such a short period of time.

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http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170201/NEWS01/170209989/dan-gilbert-fellow-billionaire-tom-gores-formally-submit-bid-for-mls

Dan Gilbert, fellow billionaire Tom Gores formally submit bid for MLS expansion team in Detroit

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article130188904.html
    
Will deep pockets and NASCAR help Charlotte win a pro soccer team?

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/what-is-going-on-with-sacramentos-mls-expansion-bid-its-messy-020117

What is going on with Sacramento’s MLS expansion bid? It’s messy

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article130174289.html

MLS still has Beckham’s Miami team in its plans

February 1, 2017 6:10 PM

It has been three years since David Beckham made public his plans to bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami. A series of snags has delayed the plans.

By Michelle Kaufman

There was only a brief mention of Miami in a Wednesday Major League Soccer conference call about expansion, but it was a comment that should give hope to South Florida fans who may be thinking the David Beckham deal will never materialize.

Mark Abbott, the MLS president and deputy commissioner, was answering questions about the 12 cities that this week submitted applications for expansion teams. The league will grow from 20 to 22 teams this season with the additions of Atlanta and Minnesota, and Los Angeles FC is expected to begin play in 2018 with Beckham’s proposed Miami team joining as team No. 24, possibly in 2019.

Two more teams from the 12 who applied will likely be added for the 2020 season and a 27th and 28th team would come into the league sometime after that. The markets that submitted bids this week are: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Asked whether there has been any thought of skipping Miami and giving that 24th slot to another market, Abbott replied: “That is not something we’re thinking about. We’re focused on finalizing a stadium deal in Miami.”

League commissioner Don Garber said in December that “it’s time for us to reach a conclusion” with Beckham and his ownership group.

“We are very focused on Miami being our 24th team. And we’ll continue to work with them to try to achieve that,” Garber said. “I remain a big believer in the importance of Miami to extending MLS’s reach to south of the border and to connect with a very diverse and culturally important city in our country.”

Beckham first announced his intentions to bring a team to Miami in February 2014, but over the past three years, he and his partners have hit several roadblocks. Three would-be sites were nixed, and they are now trying to finalize a deal at an Overtown site.

Beckham’s group plans to privately finance its 25,000-seat, $150 million stadium project. They purchased six acres of private land in Overtown for $19 million but still need three more acres of adjoining county-owned land before they can start construction. Beckham is also said to be seeking more investors.

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3051713/breaking-down-the-12-cities-vying-for-the-next-round-of-mls-expansion

Breaking down the 12 cities vying for the next round of MLS expansion

Jan. 31 marked deadline day overseas, as the transfer windows for various leagues slammed shut. In North America, it was a deadline day of a different sort, as Tuesday was the final day for cities to submit their bids to acquire MLS expansion franchises.

All told, 12 cities submitted bids, and in the coming months, they will aim to convince MLS owners that their combination of market, stadium and ownership groups should be chosen. MLS has said it will select two cities in the second or third quarter of this year, with the other two to be chosen at a later date.

Here's how the various bids shape up.

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https://theathletic.com/36495/2017/01/31/hey-now-chicago-youre-an-mls-all-star-city-get-your-game-on/

Hey now Chicago, you’re an MLS All-Star (city), get your game on

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http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170131/sports/170139743/

Hosting MLS All-Star Game good first step to re-ignite Chicago's soccer interest

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/02/01/detroit-major-league-soccer-bid/97365846/

MLS Detroit bid likely hanging on finalized stadium plan

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/02/01/mls-unresolved-issues-kept-republic-out-of.html

MLS: Unresolved issues kept Republic out of expansion bid

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http://wina.com/news/030030-mls-says-12-groups-submit-expansion-applications/

MLS says 12 groups submit expansion applications

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http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2017/02/01/top-five-orlando-city-b-matches-2017

Top Five Orlando City B Matches In 2017

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City B - Saturday, March 25th

Orlando City B will have only a short distance to travel for their first match of the season as they face off against their regional rivals, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The match will be the first for the Rowdies in the USL; they played their last six season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and made the switch to USL during the offseason. Don’t be surprised when you see a sea of purple welcoming Tampa Bay to the league.

Orlando City B vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - Thursday, July 13th

Do we really need to say anything about this one? Expect a packed house as Tampa visits Orlando’s new downtown stadium.

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http://www.tbreporter.com/government/mayors-cooperation-future/

Mayors Say Cooperation Is Way to the Future

By ANNE LINDBERG, TB Reporter

Improvements to transportation, infrastructure and other challenges can best be met by presenting a regional, cooperative front, three mayors told a crowd at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club.

PINELLAS PARK – Cooperation and collaboration are the way to solve issues facing the Tampa Bay are in the future, say the mayors of the three largest cities.

“When St. Petersburg and Clearwater succeed, my city succeeds as well,” Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “Those bridges [across Tampa Bay] will never be barriers to us. They will be conduits to cooperation.”

Buckhorn added, “If we don’t connect the region,” the challenges facing all will not be met. But, if cities present a regional front, then “we will absolutely be the economic engine that drives the southeastern United States.”

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http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/what-is-in-the-way-for-indy-eleven-to-be-in-the-mls

What is in the way for Indy Eleven to be in the MLS?

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http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/plan-your-weekend-feb-3-5-rays-fan-fest-orchestra-performs-bowie/2311729

Plan your weekend Feb. 3-5: Rays Fan Fest, orchestra performs Bowie, Impractical Jokers, sand mandala

Localtopia: Downtown St. Petersburg's Williams Park will be transformed into a hotbed of activity on Saturday, thanks to the annual Localtopia festival. The event is organized into "villages." The Arts Village will include the Native Collective; the Health and Wellness Village will feature Brick Street Farms; you'll find men's clothing vendor Grey Space, among many others at the Makers and Merchants Village and a skate ramp and Anchor Skate Supply at the Skate Village. The Family Village is where a bunch of fun activities happen, including the Tampa Bay Rowdies doing Human Foosball. There will be live music and food trucks 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 330 Second Ave. N. localtopia.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org.

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http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jan/30/mls-to-consider-san-diego/

San Diego Launches MLS Bid

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/mls-all-star-game-set-for-soldier-field-in-chicago-this-summer-013117

MLS All-Star Game set for Soldier Field in Chicago this summer

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/01/31/chicagos-soldier-field-unveiled-location-2017-mls-all-star-game

Chicago's Soldier Field unveiled as location for 2017 MLS All-Star Game

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/01/31/mls-expansion-deadline-12-teams-cities

MLS receives 12 applications by expansion submission deadline

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https://www.soccernation.com/all-aboard-the-midway-mls-commissioner-don-garber-mayor-kevin-faulconer-and-landon-donovan-speak-to-soccer-nation/

All Aboard The Midway: MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and Landon Donovan speak to SoccerNation

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http://fox40.com/2017/01/31/sacramento-officially-submits-major-league-soccer-expansion-bid/

Sacramento Officially Submits Major League Soccer Expansion Bid

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2017/01/31/fc-cincinnati-submits-expansion-bid-mls/97283374/

FC Cincinnati submits expansion bid to MLS

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2017/01/31/indianapolis-announces-mls-expansion-bid-for-nasl-side-indy-eleven/

Indianapolis announces MLS expansion bid for NASL side Indy Eleven

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46982

THE DEFENSE IS SET

Ayoze re-signs with Cosmos, solidifying their backline

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https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/sports/soccer/st-louis-san-diego-major-league-soccer.html

Dropped N.F.L. Cities Are Among M.L.S. Bidders

Dropped by the N.F.L., St. Louis and San Diego are among bidders from 12 areas applying for four Major League Soccer expansion teams.

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http://www.socceramerica.com/article/72176/mls-expansion-sacramento-from-sure-bet-to.html

MLS Expansion: Sacramento, from sure bet to ...?

Of the 12 cities on the current MLS expansion list, none looked to be better shape than Sacramento.

Almost 10 months ago, MLS commissioner Don Garber said Sacramento "checked the boxes that are required."

One those boxes must not have been presenting a united front as a rift threatened to derail efforts to bring MLS to California's state capital and forced Sacramento mayor Darrell Steinberg to step in to try to rescue the bid.

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211904913484528&set=a.1107341810057.2018714.1422151567&type=1&theater

Guy DeLaunay

January 31

TB Rowdies 2017 Season Schedule...

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http://deadspin.com/sacramentos-mls-bid-possibly-derailed-by-last-second-ow-1791856813

Sacramento's MLS Bid Possibly Derailed By Last-Second Ownership Coup

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155727661538835/

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Tampa Bay is ready for Major League Soccer (MLS).

SHARE this to let your friends and family know that you support #MLS2StPete!

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155722943728835/

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Yesterday, we officially submitted our #MLS2StPete bid to Major League Soccer (MLS). Thank you WFLA News Channel 8, Bay News 9, 10News WTSP, ABC Action News - WFTS - Tampa Bay & FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay for the support!

SHARE this to show your support for #MLS2StPete!

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/posts/10155723944618835?pnref=story

Tampa Bay Rowdies added 2 new photos.

January 31 at 4:05pm

Here's another look at our full 2017 USL schedule!

The best way to see all the action at Al Lang and support our #MLS2StPete efforts is by becoming a Season Ticket Member! Call (727) 222-2000 or click here for more info ---> http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/season-tickets

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/photos/a.442996013834.230638.109366663834/10155723565328835/?type=3&theater

Tampa Bay Rowdies

January 31

At long last, our full 2017 USL schedule is now available! Of our 16 home matches this season, we'll host 14 games on Saturday nights under the lights at Al Lang!

See the schedule here---> http://tinyurl.com/2017TBRschedule — with Rob Quinn and Janice Aiello Quallich.

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155722756458835/?pnref=story

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Take a look at the highlights from yesterday's trip to New York City, where Bill Edwards submitted an official expansion application to join Major League Soccer (MLS).

Edwards handed off the application to MLS President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, who thanks the Rowdies delegation for making the trip to the league offices.

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155720209288835/?pnref=story

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Pete the Pelican made sure he didn't miss out on today's trip to New York City! Check out Pete's trip to Major League Soccer (MLS)'s headquarters.

#MLS2StPete

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https://www.facebook.com/MLS/videos/10155018848318887/?pnref=story

Major League Soccer (MLS)

12 MLS expansion bids are officially in

The expansion bids are in. http://soc.cr/fTzd308zvre

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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/02/01/mayor-wants-to-meet-with-both-sides-of-sacramento-republic-divide/

Mayor Wants To Meet With Both Sides Of Sacramento Republic Divide

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It’s an ugly dispute that the mayor of Sacramento is now publicly getting involved with. The internal business dealings behind Sacramento’s Major League Soccer bid have fallen apart.

Now fans of the hometown team are left in the middle wondering what’s next?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6FOfn5_nVw

#MLS2StPete Local Media Coverage

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Dec 12, 2016

Check out what local media had to say about bringing #MLS2StPete. Thank you all for helping us spread the campaign!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCV5RmpFnAA

#MLS2StPete Press Conference Recap

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Dec 12, 2016

Enjoy the #MLS2StPete Party once again!

MLS2StPete.com

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3mgJoEM5OQ

MLS Commissioner Don Garber at the USF Sport & Entertainment Lecture

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Dec 12, 2016

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber during the USF Sport & Entertainment Lecture in October:

"We love what Bill (Edwards) has been able to do with Al Lang Stadium. It's super cool. You can't get a better environment, right on the waterfront."

#MLS2StPete

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4dEZm_-JGo&t=1s

Tampa Bay Rowdies Drop Off MLS Expansion Application

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jan 31, 2017

Take a look at the highlights from yesterday's trip to New York City, where Bill Edwards submitted an official expansion application to join Major League Soccer (MLS).

Edwards handed off the application to MLS President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, who thanks the Rowdies delegation for making the trip to the league offices. 

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/new-stadium-a-must-for-fc-cincinnati-to-join-major-league-soccer

New stadium a must for FC Cincinnati to join Major League Soccer

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http://fox2now.com/2017/02/01/mls-stadium-and-scottrade-renovation-bills-pass-ways-and-means-committee-friday-vote-next/

MLS stadium and Scottrade renovation bills pass Ways and Means committee, Friday vote next

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – The Board of Alderman’s Ways and Means committee voted to approve financial plans to improve the Scottrade Center and possibly create a new MLS stadium during a meeting Wednesday.

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2017/02/01/evaluating-12-mls-expansion-cities-lens-future-tv-contracts/

Evaluating the 12 MLS expansion cities through the lens of future TV contracts

Kartik Krishnaiyer February 1, 2017

It’s been often overlooked that as MLS expands and is adding four new clubs in the next round of expansion, that television market size and media profile might factor heavily into the decision making process. While some markets have established themselves at the lower division level, others that have not might be under strong consideration because MLS needs to have a stronger mix of larger TV markets in its portfolio when its marketing arm SUM negotiates the next TV rights deal that includes the league in the 2021-2022 time period.

By the time the next TV rights is up for bidding, MLS will have expanded from 24 to 28 teams.

It makes business sense for MLS to pursue the top TV markets because the more people who tune in to MLS games on TV, the more money MLS can receive in the future from lucrative TV contracts and sponsorships. MLS is already in the top 10 largest TV markets in the United States. Those top 10 cities are: (1) New York, (2) Los Angeles, (3) Chicago, (4) Philadelphia, (5) Dallas/Fort Worth, (6) San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, (7) Washington DC, (8) Boston, (9) Atlanta and (10) Houston.

So, in MLS’s decision making process to select the next four cities that the league will expand to, the TV market size is a huge factor. Here is a look at each of the prospective 12 MLS expansion markets (in alphabetical order) and the television profile for each including how large a Hispanic TV market each is.

Charlotte

Nielsen rank – 22 (overall) 36 (Hispanic)

Charlotte’s bid is impaired after the failure of the city to approve a multi-million dollar funding package for a stadium. Charlotte is an attractive market and MLS would like to place a team somewhere in the southeast to create rivalries with Atlanta and DC United. However, Charlotte’s bid does not include the owners of the existing USL club, the Charlotte Independence, and seems to be suffering from an unrealistic expectation of public funding.

Charlotte is a growing TV market with a large corporate community. This one makes a lot of sense for MLS but the time might not be right.

Cincinnati

Nielsen rank – 36 (overall) 92 (Hispanic)

FC Cincinnati averaged the highest attendance per game in 2016 of any US-based club outside MLS. In fact, FCC averaged 17,296 fans per match, a number that would have ranked ahead of several MLS clubs. Still market size is prohibitive for Cincinnati as is geography with Columbus nearby along with fellow expansion-bid city Indianapolis.

It’s difficult to fathom MLS putting a team in this small a TV market. However, few lower division teams have ever gained the level of support as FC Cincinnati.

Detroit

Nielsen rank – 13 (overall) 43 (Hispanic)

Detroit provides the biggest mystery of the MLS expansion sweepstakes. It’s a big market and no doubt a place where MLS wants to be. It also boasts one of the most visibly successful non-professional clubs in the country, supporter-managed fourth division Detroit City FC. DCFC isn’t just another fourth division side, it’s a sensation. And the type of supporters the club has attracted have no interest in joining MLS.

This leaves a fractured soccer market and with no established club to pull up, maybe MLS passes for now. But it’s tough to see how MLS wouldn’t push hard for a market this big before the next TV contract renegotiation.

Indianapolis

Nielsen rank – 27 (overall) 57 (Hispanic)

Indy Eleven are the most successful club in NASL in terms of ticket sales and market penetration. The club would have an instant rivalry with Columbus and Chicago in MLS. But securing public support for a soccer-specific-stadium has been a difficult haul for the club and perhaps the MLS bid is simply leverage to put pressure on state and local officials?

Nashville

Nielsen rank – 29 (overall) 55 (Hispanic)

Controversially, MLS has reached out to John Ingram to lead the expansion bid cutting out Nashville SC (formerly Nashville FC) an organic supporters grown club that now is moving to USL. This is a strong market with a growing TV profile and a natural rival for Atlanta United FC. But still, Nashville remains a likely outsider in this round of expansion.

Phoenix

Nielsen rank – 12 (overall) 9 (Hispanic)

USL club Phoenix Rising FC just rebranded for a second time in four years under new ownership. They will lead what is despite the area’s market size a long shot bid along with additional investors.

Phoenix might eventually have an MLS team but it is unlikely to be in this expansion group.

Raleigh/Durham

Nielsen rank – 25 (overall) 33 (Hispanic)

North Carolina FC of NASL are among the most impressive soccer organizations outside MLS. Owner Steve Malik recently secured an NWSL franchise and has been given massive plaudits behind the scenes by decision makers about his role in salvaging NASL this winter.

The television market is large enough and the soccer supporter community strong enough to justify MLS bringing NCFC up. While on the surface the market looks fractured between men and women as well as pro, college and youth, an MLS club at the very top of that pyramid would bring all parties together. This is a logical addition that brings a TV market without major pro sports competition other than NHL.

Sacramento

Nielsen rank – 20 (overall) 9 (Hispanic)

On the surface, Sacramento is a slam dunk – as close to a sure thing as MLS will ever witness, yet they seem to be hedging by talking up other markets. The Sacramento Republic of USL have maintained consistently strong support. But a new independent ownership group has popped up for an MLS bid, creating some bad feelings not only locally but across the country among hardcore soccer fans. Still, Sacramento is probably leading the pack for expansion. Political support is strong and the city has a turnkey stadium plan.

The size of the television market also justifies Sacramento’s inclusion. The only drawback is close proximity to San Jose, a club that’s never really penetrated the nation’s sixth largest TV market. The new Avaya Stadium is about a two hour drive from Sacramento. But perhaps MLS will see that a semi-local derby can only help grow the Quakes footprint in the critical San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland TV market.

St Louis

Nielsen rank – 21

The spiritual home of American soccer looked a sure thing not long ago. But local political opposition to public stadium funding and the strength of other bids has killed lots of the momentum. Still St Louis remains a large market outside MLS and one with an incredible history in the sport. This remains a likely destination for the league sooner rather than later.

San Antonio

Nielsen rank – 32 (overall) 7 (Hispanic)

San Antonio has proven over the last five years an ability to consistently support a minor league product, and have an established stadium location, excellent ownership with the San Antonio Spurs and all the local political support that is needed. But San Antonio is a smallish TV market. However, it must be noted the size of Hispanic television households in this market, which might give SUM incentive with Univision’s renegotiation in 2021/22.

This is a sleeper strong market and bid. I would not be shocked if San Antonio wins a spot in MLS.

San Diego

Nielsen rank – 28 (overall) 12 (Hispanic)

The flavor of the week is a market fraught with danger. The area has never shown a sustained ability to support local pro soccer and with Xolos right across the border in Liga MX, a higher level product than MLS can offer is available to local fans who are willing to drive to Tijuana. Still, it appears political support is coalescing for this bid. But San Diego remains a smallish TV market with little history of supporting local club soccer. MLS should pass on this one.

Tampa/St Pete

Nielsen rank – 11 (overall) 20 (Hispanic)

The largest television market without MLS currently has a lot going for it. On the surface, the Tampa/St Petersburg bid should be a sitter – a large market with lots of local political and business support, a deep-pocketed owner in Bill Edwards and an established club with a historic name (The Tampa Bay Rowdies). But concerns are abound beginning with the desire to play in St Petersburg rather than Tampa, and the previous failure of MLS in this market.
Also, the close proximity to Orlando, one of MLS’ flagship teams might work both ways. MLS does not have two clubs outside two largest cities in the country as close as Orlando City and the Rowdies would be geographically.

Still, the club has an established stadium and fan base which should tip the scales in its favor especially if David Beckham’s stalled Miami bid collapses completely.

Who gets teams?

If I had to pick four, I would say Sacramento, St Louis, San Antonio and Tampa Bay with Raleigh/Durham a close fifth and ready to claim a spot if one of the above stumble. Each market makes sense from a TV standpoint. San Antonio’s inclusion owes itself to a large Hispanic population and outstanding ownership coupled with a settled stadium situation.

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2015/10/29/ranking-the-top-20-cities-for-mls-nasl-and-usl-expansion/

Ranking the top 20 cities for MLS, NASL and USL expansion

Kartik Krishnaiyer October 29, 2015