It Finally Happened: David Beckham awarded Miami MLS team, will begin play 2020

So it finally happened; that gets the Miami situation out the way, at least. 

Now Bill Edwards really, really, REALLY needs to get more, bigger investors involved to take the Tampa Bay Rowdies to MLS. 

Reading below however even though they say they want to start Miami in 2020, a lot of hurdles remain. 

I would not be surprised if Miami in MLS gets pushed back to 2021 (when the TV deal is going to be renegotiated anyway) simply because playing in multiple, ill-suited stadia in 2020 is not a good way to launch this new club (whatever it will be called).

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http://www.tampabay.com/It-Finally-Happened-David-Beckham-awarded-Miami-MLS-team-will-begin-play-2020_164967526

It Finally Happened: David Beckham awarded Miami MLS team, will begin play 2020

Yes, it finally happened.

David Beckham was officially awarded a Miami Major League Soccer team Monday after a four-year odyssey beset by more twists and turns than he ever imagined when he smiled at a bayside news conference on Feb. 5, 2014, and announced his plans.

Many South Florida fans and observers worldwide had given up hope on the seemingly never-ending project, but the English soccer icon and his partners finally checked all the boxes to the liking of MLS officials, who had been cautious in awarding the 25th franchise after the league’s original Miami team, the Miami Fusion, folded in 2002 following its fourth season.

Read More: Tampa Bay misses out on MLS expansion this time

http://www.tampabay.com/Tampa-Bay-misses-out-on-MLS-expansion-this-time_163107862

The new team is scheduled to begin play in 2020, probably at a temporary site until the permanent stadium is ready in 2021. The team name, logo and colors will be rolled out in the next few months, with input from fans, according to Beckham and his co-owners. There have been hints black and white will be in the color scheme.

The new team is scheduled to begin play in 2020, probably at a temporary site until the permanent stadium is ready in 2021. The team name, logo and colors will be rolled out in the next few months, with input from fans, according to Beckham and his co-owners. There have been hints black and white will be in the color scheme.

Beckham confirmed he will oversee the soccer aspect of the team, and he plans to be a very hands-on owner.

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/01/30/mls-takes-calculated-risk-miami-amidst-stadium-concerns/

MLS takes calculated risk with Miami amidst stadium concerns

By MLS suddenly fast-tracking Miami as an expansion team even without a stadium finalized, the question is ‘why the rush?’ In my opinion, there are three factors: (1) MLS wanted to announce Miami as team number 25 before it makes a decision of whether to award the next expansion team to either Cincinnati, Detroit or Sacramento. (2) MLS desperately needs to have Miami launch in 2020 so that the league can ensure that the 16th largest TV market in the country (Miami-Fort Lauderdale) is part of Major League Soccer’s next TV deal when negotiations begin in 2021. And (3) the timing of the decision arms USSF Presidential Candidate Kathy Carter with a major feel-good story that she can use to illustrate how MLS is continuing to grow in the United States, which could help her win some vital votes in the USSF Presidential Election in less than two weeks.

With Miami scheduled to launch in 2020, a permanent stadium solution won’t be ready until 2021 at the earliest. If Matheson wins the appeal in August, it’s back to the drawing board for MLS Miami.

For 2020, the current plan being discussed is for the Miami MLS team to play in up to three stadiums in the area, dividing the home games between (presumably) Marlins Park, Hard Rock Stadium and Riccardo Silva Stadium. Other stadiums in the area are being considered.

In determining whether MLS will be a success in Miami, everything comes back to the stadium. With the Overtown location up in the air and a myriad of temporary stadiums being contemplated, this Miami MLS investment continues to be a risky proposition.

MLS, David Beckham and the investors have gone all-in on finding a stadium. Let’s hope they finalize one soon.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/881363?referrer_id=2349190

Lachowecki Added to Rowdies' Back Line

Roughnecks re-sign Ugarte for second season at club

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7t6mk2/ben_sweat_signs_new_contract_with_new_york_city_fc/

Ben Sweat Signs New Contract with New York City FC (nycfc.com)

Looks like our local product and former Rowdie is making a go of it in MLS!

That’s good for him!

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https://www.nycfc.com/post/2018/01/26/ben-sweat-signs-new-contract-new-york-city-fc

Ben Sweat Signs New Contract with New York City FC

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7u1ltg/rowdies_fortify_back_line_with_addition_of_max/

Rowdies Fortify Back Line with Addition of Max Lachowecki (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/881299

Rowdies Fortify Back Line with Addition of Max Lachowecki

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7u5a7p/meta_subreddit_refresh_and_brand_new_rowdies_flair/

META: Subreddit Refresh and BRAND NEW Rowdies Flair! (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-miami-mls-beckham/beckham-formally-handed-miami-mls-franchise-idUSKBN1FI1W8

Beckham formally handed Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/david-beckham-wants-zlatan-ibrahimovic-to-stay-at-manchester/1ug8u9q306sh1rf73o58vkbb7

Beckham wants Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United amid MLS interest

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11228147/david-beckham-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic-would-boost-the-mls

David Beckham says Zlatan Ibrahimovic would boost the MLS

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http://kwese.espn.com/football/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3364875/miami-offers-beckhams-new-mls-franchise-glitzglamour-and-growth-potential

Miami offers Beckham's new MLS franchise glitz, glamour and growth potential

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http://lastwordonsoccer.com/2018/01/30/beckham-brings-mls-back-to-miami/

Beckham Brings MLS Back to Miami

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197476834.html

Now that the party is over the real work begins. Here is what’s next for Beckham’s MLS team.

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beckhams-miami-mission-more-tortuous-than-he-had-expected-ft02nfnwt

David Beckham: I almost gave up on Miami mission

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https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2018/01/29/miami-mls-david-beckham-marcelo-claure-masa-son.html

How two top Sprint execs helped David Beckham land a new MLS team

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197212084.html

Celebrities already on board with MLS Miami. One even offered to play for the team.

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https://www.click2houston.com/sports/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

Retired star has been seeking team since 2014

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https://socceramerica.com/publications/article/76579/david-beckham-i-dont-give-up.html

David Beckham: 'I don't give up'

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https://www.timeout.com/miami/news/david-beckham-celebrated-miamis-mls-announcement-at-an-irish-pub-in-brickell-013018

David Beckham celebrated Miami’s MLS announcement at an Irish pub in Brickell

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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/mls-franchise-getting-the-nod-is-a-dream-come-true-beckham-36544958.html

MLS franchise getting the nod is a dream come true: Beckham

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https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180130/p2g/00m/0sp/052000c

Soccer: At long last, Beckham's MLS team in Miami is born

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https://www.ktbs.com/sports/national/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise/article_bf7c3661-c3e2-5235-9fb9-82a68c1b185d.html

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/30/kick-mls-comes-miami-meram-goes-orlando-stocking-out-west

Kick Off: MLS comes to Miami | Meram goes to Orlando | Stocking up out West

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/01/30/Franchises/Beckham.aspx

MLS Formally Awards David Beckham Group Expansion Franchise

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/30/david-beckham-hails-astonishing-alexis-sanchez-capture-launch-his-new-mls-franchise

David Beckham Hails 'Astonishing' Alexis Sanchez Capture at Launch of His New MLS Franchise

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5455475/david-beckham-football-team-miami-family-home/

BYE BYE, BECKS! David Beckham is moving to Miami to launch his football team and is leaving his family at home

David is moving stateside to live his dream of managing his own football team

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http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42864461

David Beckham launches Miami Major League Soccer team

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http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/beckham-miami-mls-1.4509184

David Beckham makes MLS Miami dream official

'It has been a hell of a journey,' former England star says of league's latest expansion franchise

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/story/3364620/david-beckham-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic-great-for-mls-but-hopes-he-stays-at-man-united?src=com

David Beckham: Zlatan Ibrahimovic great for MLS, but hopes he stays at Man United for now

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2756685-lionel-messi-hints-at-interest-in-playing-for-david-beckhams-mls-miami-team

Lionel Messi Hints at Interest in Playing for David Beckham's MLS Miami Team

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https://www.who.com.au/david-beckham-miami-football-club

David Beckham leaves London for Miami

The former professional football player has started his own club!

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http://www.elleuk.com/life-and-culture/culture/news/a41288/congratulate-david-beckham-video/

Watch The Beckham Children, Serena Williams, Jay-Z And More Congratulate David Beckham

Victoria Beckham posted the cutest videos to her Insta stories.

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http://people.com/sports/david-beckham-soccer-team-jay-z-serena/

JAY-Z, Serena Williams & More Congratulate David Beckham on Launch of His New Miami Soccer Team

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http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/30/david-beckhams-family-wont-move-us-mls-miami-move-7271998/

David Beckham’s family won’t move with him to the US for MLS Miami move

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http://www.kyma.com/sports/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise/693239447

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

Retired star has been seeking team since 2014

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http://cyprus-mail.com/2018/01/30/david-beckham-moving-back-us-without-family/

David Beckham is moving back to the US without his family

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https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/n/david-beckham-miami-celebrate-announcement-of-mls-franchise/vp-BBIq5Jp

David Beckham, Miami celebrate announcement of MLS franchise

Major League Soccer commissioner officially announces Miami as an expansion franchise.

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/30/call-me-maybe-lionel-messi-hints-interest-playing-david-beckhams-mls-side-future

Call Me Maybe: Lionel Messi Hints Interest in Playing for David Beckham's MLS Side in Future

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article197280844.html

Flashy and brash entrance sets up next Beckham goal: Reach Dolphins/Heat-level popularity

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http://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-congratulate-david-beckham-on-new-miami-mls-club-2018-1

Some of the world's biggest celebrities sent personal videos to David Beckham congratulating him on the launch of his new soccer club

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/274942-david-beckham-launches-his-own-miami-football-club

David Beckham launches his own Miami football club

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/miami-franchise-a-great-deal-for-david-beckham-and-mls-tzlqzdm8z

Miami franchise a great deal for David Beckham and MLS

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http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/jan/29/at-long-last-david-beckhams-mls-team-in-miami-is-b/

At long last: David Beckham’s MLS team in Miami is born

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5462703/posh-angry-at-becks-miami-move/

SPITE GIRL! Victoria Beckham is ‘seething and furious’ at ‘selfish’ husband David for move to Miami to launch footie team

There's no turning back for Becks who has already invested £18million in the club along with other co-owners

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197476834.html

Now that the party is over the real work begins. Here is what’s next for Beckham’s MLS team.

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5457908/brooklyn-beckham-gets-mobbed-by-female-fans-on-the-beach-after-dad-david-announces-hes-moving-to-miami/

SNAP HAPPY Brooklyn Beckham gets mobbed by female fans on the beach after dad David announces he’s moving to Miami

The teen posed with a group of bikini-clad girls as he supported his dad in Florida

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http://www.espn975.com/weekly-soccer-recap-david-beckham-brings-mls-to-miami-dynamo-kick-off-preseason/

Weekly Soccer Recap: David Beckham brings MLS to Miami; Dynamo kick off preseason

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/sport/video-1617550/Video-Footballing-icon-David-Beckham-announces-birth-MLS-franchise.html

Footballing icon David Beckham announces birth of MLS franchise

This is the moment that footballing superstar and ex-England and Manchester United great David Beckham finally announced his Miami Major League Soccer franchise alongside business counterparts.

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3364164/beckhams-miami-has-questions-to-answer-before-it-can-be-an-mls-hit

Beckham's Miami team has questions to answer before it can be an MLS hit

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3364968/messi-leads-long-list-of-celebrities-congratulating-beckham-on-new-mls-franchise?src=com

Messi leads long list of celebrities congratulating Beckham on new MLS franchise

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197394399.html

Would you like to watch Messi play for Miami’s MLS club? He hinted at the possibility

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckham-launches-new-miami-11943507

David Beckham launches new Miami life with dinner and wild night out at mobster's nightclub with son Brooklyn

Goldenballs announced he is launching a football club in the city yesterday and looks to be enjoying the scenery already

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/messi-invites-call-from-beckhams-new-miami-mls-franchise/1dr80ftrj9oxg10a7yto8boms3

Messi invites call from Beckham's new Miami MLS franchise

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https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/class-of-92-blueprint-for-miami-beckham-20180130

'Class of 92' blueprint for Miami - Beckham

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http://thepeoplesperson.com/2018/01/30/david-beckham-tells-zlatan-ibrahimovic-to-stay-at-manchester-united-and-avoid-mls-for-now-194018/

David Beckham tells Zlatan Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United and avoid MLS for now

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https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/678291/Lionel-Messi-David-Beckham-Barcelona-exit-hint-MLS-franchise-gets-go-ahead

Lionel Messi drops Barcelona exit hint as David Beckham’s MLS franchise gets go-ahead

LIONEL MESSI has hinted that he wants to join David Beckham’s new MLS franchise in Florida.

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https://www.joe.co.uk/life/david-beckham-announces-hes-moving-to-the-usa-to-fulfil-dream-160029

David Beckham announces he's moving to the USA to fulfil dream