These are cities Las Vegas will compete with for MLS franchise

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https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/lights-fc-soccer/these-are-cities-las-vegas-will-compete-with-for-mls-franchise-1679207/

These are cities Las Vegas will compete with for MLS franchise

When Major League Soccer announced early in 2017 that it was expanding from 24 to 28 franchises, the prospects didn’t look good for a Las Vegas team.

The city was rebuffed in a 2015 bid for a......

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https://sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/mls/https-wp-me-p81oan-1mwe/

The Las Vegas City Council Could Jump Start An Attempt For Local Backers To Apply For An MLS Team

Las Vegas elected officials are the next group up trying to get the attention of Major League Soccer decision makers. The Las Vegas City Council will decided whether it should negotiate a deal that could pave the way for the construction of a soccer venue for the new owners of the United Soccer League’s Las Vegas Lights so the group could apply to join Major League Soccer. The new Lights’ ownership would like to take over an area that includes its present home and turn the 62 acres of land around the stadium into a stadium-village.  If the politicians say yes to the stadium-village proposal, the city of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Light ownership will have 180 days to agree on a stadium-village land deal. Then the Light ownership can appear before MLS Commissioner Don Garber and the league’s owners with a proposal as long as they bring money.

In 2017, Major League Soccer owners came up with a plan to expand to four cities. Initially, the league had a hard time finding two cities let alone four. Eventually the MLS did get Cincinnati, Nashville and Austin into the lodge and it appears Sacramento and St. Louis are just waiting for approval. But the league has decided that it wants a sixth expansion team. It appears that Indianapolis is in the mix for that sixth franchise. The Indy 11 soccer franchise currently is a member of the second tier United Soccer League but ownership has a desire to move up to the Major League Soccer level. The franchise ownership applied to join the MLS during the league’s hunt to add four teams but was passed over. But now there is a commitment by Indiana legislators to put $112 million into a new soccer facility, the Indianapolis bid has been strengthened. Las Vegas joins Indianapolis, Phoenix and Charlotte in pursuing an MLS franchise.

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https://en.as.com/en/2019/06/04/football/1559672229_203660.html

David Beckham pursues Luis Suárez for Inter Miami

David Beckham will sign three big name players for Inter Miami. He is interested in Barcelona's Luis Suarez, who has not yet ruled out the possibility.

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http://www.tampabay.com/business/historic-clock-in-downtown-st-pete-keeps-time-once-again-as-an-118-million-apartment-project-nears-completion-20190604/

Historic clock in downtown St. Pete keeps time once again as an $118-million apartment project nears completion

The first tenants will start moving into ICON Central in July

For the first time this century, the stately clock at Central Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N in St. Petersburg is keeping time again. The developer of the new Icon Central apartments preserved part of the old Union Trust bank buildings and its landmark clock. [DIRK SHADD | Times]

ST. PETERSBURG — For decades, folks near downtown St. Petersburg kept time by the stately clock on Central Avenue near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N.

Lettering over its ornate face...

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https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/major-league-soccer/1111768/watch-zlatan-ibrahimovic-scores-sensational-bicycle-kick-for-la-galaxy-in-mls/

WATCH: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores sensational bicycle kick for LA Galaxy in MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an icon of the sport. The former Manchester United star has lit up every league he has played in, and his recent bicycle kick goal for LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS) is proof of his class.

LA Galaxy may have lost the game 2-1 to the New England Revolution, but Zlatan’s stunning effort ensured the fans left feeling they had seen something special.

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http://www.flowsports.co/major-league-soccer/news/rumour-has-juve-begin-pogba-talks-suarez-linked-with-shock-mls-move

Rumour Has It: Juve begin Pogba talks, Suarez linked with shock MLS move

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https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/group-behind-austin-fc-mls-team-to-hold-meeting-on-stadium-traffic-concerns

Group behind Austin FC MLS team to hold meeting on stadium traffic concerns

AUSTIN, Texas — People are expecting major traffic trouble as a new soccer stadium moves into north Austin.

Tuesday night, Precourt Sports Ventures, the group behind the new stadium that will be the home of the Austin FC Major League Soccer team, is going to try and ease some concerns.

Many people are worried about plans to route ride-shares onto Metric Blvd to get people in and out of the railroad line, saying the infrastructure for that still needs to be built.

The meeting will be held at the Brentwood Church of Christ on Lamar.

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https://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2019/06/04/orlando-city-sc-announces-central-florida-based-exploria-resorts-stadium-naming

Orlando City SC Announces Central Florida-Based Exploria Resorts as Stadium Naming Rights Partner

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article231154298.html

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez could be headed to David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Here is why

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https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/soccer/orlando-city-sc/watch-live-orlando-city-soccer-officials-make-major-announcement-

Orlando City soccer stadium gets new name

Downtown facility now known as Exploria Stadium

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https://www.90min.com/posts/6383404-david-beckham-wants-barcelona-star-luis-suarez-as-inter-miami-s-marquee-signing-in-2020

David Beckham Wants Barcelona Star Luis Suarez as Inter Miami's Marquee Signing in 2020

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https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/david-beckham-inter-miami-lionel-messi-offer-233981

David Beckham's Inter Miami have reportedly made Lionel Messi a very tempting offer

Can't fault their ambition

David Beckham's Major League Soccer franchise, Inter Miami CF, have reportedly offered Lionel Messi a "handsome" salary in an attempt to lure the Barcelona star to the States when his current contract runs out in 2021.

It was reported earlier on Tuesday that the club are also interested in signing Luis Suarez from Barcelona as their first big name signing, and now the newly founded franchise are apparently keen to bring his best friend with him, who happens to be the greatest player of all time.

The reports have come out of Catalunya Radio, who claim Inter Miami will offer Messi a similar deal - presumably better - than what they're offering Suarez.

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https://fansided.com/2019/06/04/david-beckham-may-targeting-luis-suarez-inter-miamis-centerpiece/

David Beckham may be targeting Luis Suarez as Inter Miami’s centerpiece

Luis Suarez is one of the most recognizable players in the world. The FC Barcelona striker may be on David Beckham’s radar as Inter Miami CF’s “Designated Player.”

Owner David Beckham has vowed to bring the world’s biggest stars to Miami CF as Major League Soccer continues to do its best to raise the profile of the league. Carlos Vela, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have dazzled with wonder goals in the MLS. Now it looks like Beckham has his eyes set on an even bigger individual.

According to Catalunya Radio’s Xavi Campos, via Marca, there are rumblings Luis Suarez is one of the players Beckham is targeting for Inter Miami.

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-mls-garber/after-years-as-a-pariah-mls-sees-its-reputation-rising-idUSKCN1T52YW

After years as a pariah, MLS sees its reputation rising

PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - Major League Soccer, once shunned by the international football community, is gaining respect thanks to its steady growth in popularity and new stadium projects, commissioner Don Garber said.

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https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/usmnt-teammates-bradley-and-altidore-helped-convince-gonzalez-to-/evzcotyuv82y1pydy04ccz6be

USMNT teammates Bradley and Altidore helped convince Gonzalez to join Toronto FC

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http://www.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture-design/HOK-and-Snow-Kreilich-Architects-reveal-design-concept-for-25000-seat-stadium-in-St-Louis-/342058?source=news

HOK and Snow Kreilich Architects reveal design concept for 'iconic landmark' stadium in St Louis

HOK and Snow Kreilich Architects have unveiled their design for MLS4TheLou – the Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium proposed for St Louis, Missouri.

The stadium will serve as the home of the as-yet-unnamed St Louis MLS soccer club.

The new facility will feature a translucent ETFE canopy which will provide cover for fans and allow for well-lit spaces below.

Light will pass through directly onto the field, helping game-day visibility and grass growth.

The overall fan experience has been an important factor guiding the initial design and HOK has revealed it will include a number of innovative spectator features.

Fans will be able to enter the stadium from all sides, with a major entry plaza serving as a pre-game gathering space for fan processions and post-game celebrations.

When it comes to sightlines, every seat will be within 36.3m (120ft) of the pitch to give some of the best views in soccer, with the closest seats 6m (20ft) from the touchline.

The pitch will be countersunk, sitting 12m (40ft) below street level, creating an urban footprint with a below-ground-level playing field.

Included within the immediate construction of the stadium will be a mixed-use development called the Downtown West District, with retail, restaurants and gathering spaces that will be open and accessible to city residents and visitors year-round. Pop-up retail space will also be available to local businesses.

The stadium design will open to the north and east, creating a visual connection to Downtown West.

The architects say the roof form will serve as an iconic landmark as visitors approach downtown St Louis from the west.

The stadium, which will host up to 23 games a year, is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2022.

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https://kfgo.com/news/articles/2019/jun/04/after-years-as-a-pariah-mls-sees-its-reputation-rising/

After years as a pariah, MLS sees its reputation rising

FILE PHOTO - Dec 7, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLS Commissioner Don Garber delivers the State of the League Address next to the MLS Cup trophy

PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - Major League Soccer, once shunned by the international football community, is gaining respect thanks to its steady growth in popularity and new stadium projects, commissioner Don Garber said.

The MLS got off to a rough start following its debut season in 1996, bleeding money in its early years as it struggled to attract fans in a North American sports market dominated by American football, basketball and baseball.

But after its initial growing pains, it began to find its audience with attendances averaging more than 22,000 fans per game last season, a league record.

MLS is set to expand to 30 teams in the coming years with seven soccer-specific stadium projects planned, giving the league legitimacy on a level Garber never dreamed of.

"Years ago the international football community barely acknowledged that we existed let alone rated us as having any sense that we knew what we were doing," Garber told reporters ahead of the unveiling of the Portland Timbers' newly-renovated stadium on Saturday.

"And that was from (governing bodies) FIFA to UEFA to U.S. Soccer to CONCACAF.

"Over time that has shifted. There really has been a generational movement on the development of the soccer culture," said Garber, who took over as commissioner in 1999 when many predicted the league was destined for failure.

"We finally are creating this idea that the United States and Canada can be a place that can be really good for the development for all aspects of the game.

"So it's a good time to be in the soccer business."

That business includes an $85-million upgrade to Providence Park, a 25,000 capacity stadium that opened its doors to a raucous sold-out crowd on a warm night in Portland, which calls itself "Soccer City USA".

New stadiums are currently planned in Miami, Cincinnati, Columbus, Austin, Nashville, Sacramento and St. Louis.

"The arc of stadium development over the last 20 years has been remarkable, but I think it follows the arc of the development of the league," Garber said.

ANYONE'S GAME

Garber said one virtue of the MLS is that at the start of the season, any team can win the MLS Cup due to its salary cap system, which helps keep a level playing field that has produced 10 different MLS Cup champions over the last 12 seasons.

Now that he has the ear of the international soccer community, Garber warned European governing body UEFA against its plans for a Super League, which would replace the Champions League with a competition that would cater to Europe's top clubs and be largely closed to outsiders.

"It would have a negative effect on every other team in Europe and it would be really good for those top 12 teams," said Garber, who sits on the football stakeholder committee of world governing body FIFA and is the co-chairman of the World Leagues Forum.

"So I am not a fan of the Super League. I don't think it serves the leagues well. I think it serves a handful of teams well."

Garber said his goal is to continue to grow MLS "brick by brick" in North America until it is considered among the world's best in terms of quality, the passion of its fans and the economic value of its franchises.

"Portland is a fantastic example of what MLS can deliver," he said of the Timbers, who have sold out every game since they joined the league in 2011.

"The momentum is going to continue."

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https://sports.yahoo.com/mls-chief-sees-bright-future-league-expands-000916193--sow.html

MLS chief sees bright future as league expands

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says the league has earned increasing international respect (AFP Photo/Eric Espada)

Portland (AFP) - MLS commissioner Don Garber believes the league has earned respect from the international community as the competition continues to go from strength to strength.

Twenty-three years after 10 teams participated in the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, the flagship club competition for football in the United States has more than doubled in size.

Garber says an array of new soccer-specific stadiums, a steadily-increasing fan base and the prospect of a 30-team league indicate that football is firmly anchored in the US sporting landscape.

The latest addition to the skyline of MLS stadia is the newly refurbished Providence Park in Portland, where Garber was among a record 25,218 crowd who saw the Timbers defeated by Los Angeles FC on Saturday.

Garber said the maturity of MLS, where attendances averaged just under 22,000 a game last season, had gained the league increasing respect around the world.

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/orlando-city-sc/orlando-city-announces-sale-of-naming-rights-new-home-to-be-called-exploria-stadium/

Orlando City announces sale of naming rights, new home to be called Exploria Stadium

Orlando City announced the sale of its stadium naming rights to Exploria Resorts Tuesday, with Exploria Stadium replacing Orlando City Stadium as the new name for the privately funded venue.

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https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/toronto-fc-signs-veteran-centre-back-omar-gonzalez-to-upgrade-defence-1.4450440

Toronto FC signs veteran centre back Omar Gonzalez to upgrade defence

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/mls-power-rankings-week-14-atlanta-united-make-leap-into-top-five/

MLS Power Rankings Week 14: Atlanta United make leap into top five

Outside of No. 1 LAFC and No. 6 D.C. United, the top 10 is completely different than Week 13

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https://sports.yahoo.com/rumour-juve-begin-pogba-talks-062610852.html

Rumour Has It: Juve begin Pogba talks, Suarez linked with shock MLS move

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http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-david-beckham-wants-to-sign-luis-suarez-for-mls-franchise-inter-miami-20190604

David Beckham Wants To Sign Luis Suarez For MLS Franchise Inter Miami

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https://www.wlrn.org/post/fort-lauderdale-residents-chip-ideas-community-park-coming-lockhart-stadium

Fort Lauderdale Residents Chip In Ideas For Community Park Coming To Lockhart Stadium

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9220180/david-beckham-barcelona-luis-suarez-mls-inter-miami/

BECK & CALL David Beckham ‘offers Barcelona striker Luis Suarez four-year deal to sign for new MLS side Inter Miami’

DAVID BECKHAM has reportedly offered Barcelona striker Luis Suarez a four-year deal to sign for his new MLS side Inter Miami.

Former LA Galaxy star Beckham owns Inter and will lead them into their first MLS season next year.

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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/06/04/david-beckham-wants-barcelona-superstar-to-join-mls-franchise-inter-miami/

David Beckham wants Barcelona superstar to join MLS franchise Inter Miami

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https://www.football-espana.net/78554/inter-miami-offer-barcelona-striker-luis-suarez

Inter Miami offer for Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

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https://soccer.realgm.com/wiretap/7494/David-Beckham-Wants-Luis-Suarez-At-Inter-Miami

David Beckham Wants Luis Suarez At Inter Miami

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https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/06/04/5cf64fc7e2704ef8228b462e.html

David Beckham believed to want Luis Suarez at Inter Miami

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https://www.besoccer.com/new/mls-is-soccer-finally-catching-up-to-the-european-leagues-647288

MLS: is "soccer" finally catching up to the European leagues?

The MLS, and it's now defunct ancestor, the North American Soccer League (NASL), were known both for their lack of quality when compared to the European equivalents and mostly, or perhaps because of it, for their lack of popularity. But in recent years, an influx of players, cash, and partnerships with Europe's biggest clubs have suddenly put the MLS in the spotlight, with even the football purists catching on.

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https://en.as.com/en/2019/06/05/football/1559699047_404848.html

Don Garber gratified with MLS reputation rising

MLS commisioner Don Garber during an pannel

MLS Commissioner pleased with the league's progress as now its part of the international scene despite being rejected in the beginning.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bwqvv7/collins_relishing_task_of_lifting_the_rowdies_to/

Collins relishing task of lifting the Rowdies to new heights

Loved him as a player and have really enjoyed his maturing into a fantastic head coach. Oh captain my captain!

Same...he was a smart student of the game and incredibly intense.

That's just continued on in this role...

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https://www.thenational.scot/sport/17679629.collins-relishing-task-of-lifting-the-rowdies-to-new-heights/

Collins relishing task of lifting the Rowdies to new heights

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bwoa11/dan_lucas_on_twitter_clip_on_john_mccarthy_from/

[Dan Lucas on Twitter] Clip on John McCarthy from Super Sports Sunday on WFLA

LET'S GET IT ON!

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https://twitter.com/wfladan/status/1135667015207870468?s=21

Dan Lucas
‏
Verified account

@WFLADan

He's quietly gotten the job done this season for @TampaBayRowdies but goalkeeper John McCarthy can't keep the secret much longer with the numbers he's putting up. We showed a few of them last night on Super Sports Sunday.

2:58 PM - 3 Jun 2019

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https://billingsgazette.com/sports/former-montana-state-billings-soccer-coach-help-builds-an-mls/article_086cb7be-6adb-5f28-b722-bd3bbef2e886.html

Former Montana State Billings soccer coach help builds an MLS franchise

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https://234sport.com/ex-liverpool-star-linked-with-mls-transfer/

BACELONA FC

Ex-Liverpool Star Linked With MLS Transfer

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is reportedly attracting interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States of America according to latest reports.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been at Spanish champions Barcelona for the last five years but the Blaugrana are said to be shopping for a long-term replacement for him.

Barcelona is looking for a long-term replacement for the Uruguayan international who’s in the twilight of his career at the age of 32.

Despite the fact that he’s no longer at the peak of his powers, Luis Suarez was still able to score 21 goals for Barcelona during the just concluded Spanish La Liga season.


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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/david-beckham-offers-big-money-16257316

David Beckham 'offers big-money deal' to Luis Suarez to join Inter Miami

David Beckham owns the new team, which was founded in January 2018 and it will join the MLS in March 2020

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https://extra.ie/2019/06/05/sport/soccernews/david-beckham-suarez

DAVID BECKHAM’S MLS TEAM OFFER HUGE FOUR-YEAR DEAL TO BARCA SUPERSTAR, REPORT SAYS

If the latest reports coming from Spain are true, then David Beckham‘s new club Inter Miami have some serious ambitions ahead of their MLS debut.

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https://stpetersburgfoodies.com/podcast/interview-with-bill-georgiou-from-the-burg-bar-grill-and-the-burg-diner-st-petersburg-foodies-podcast-episode-40/

Interview with Bill Georgiou from The Burg Bar & Grill, and The Burg Diner – St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 40

Interview with Bill Georgiou from The Burg Bar & Grill, and The Burg Diner
Welcome to the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 40! Our featured interview today is with Bill Georgiou from The Burg Bar & Grill, and The Burg Diner. We find out that Bill has been in the restaurant business his entire life. Starting in high school he worked in his family's restaurants, and has owned several himself. Today, our musical guests are Julie Black and Dave Eichenberger from Julie Black Music. We will feature the song, "River of Blood", which is reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. Julie and Dave both answer The Fast Five Foodies Questions.

The St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast features interviews with chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, bartenders, and more, and covers the burgeoning food scene in St. Petersburg, Florida. Episodes air every Tuesday.

This episode of the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast is brought to you by Buya Ramen, and Engine No. 9. Please keep them in mind the next time you are hungry for some fantastic food.

Our announcer is Candice Aviles from Meet the Chef and Channel 10 News. Our theme music is provided by The Chris Walker Band.

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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/after-years-as-a-pariah--mls-sees-its-reputation-rising-11597428

After years as a pariah, MLS sees its reputation rising

Major League Soccer, once shunned by the international football community, is gaining respect thanks to its steady growth in popularity and new stadium projects, commissioner Don Garber said.

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https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/sports-columns/ed-graney/golden-knights-owner-bill-foley-eyes-mls-team-for-raiders-stadium-1679421/

Golden Knights owner Bill Foley eyes MLS team for Raiders stadium

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https://news.tunf.com/david-beckham-reportedly-trying-to-lure-barcelona-star-to-usa/015209

David Beckham Reportedly Trying To Lure Barcelona Star To USA

English football legend David Beckham reportedly wants Barcelona striker Luis Suarez to join his Inter Miami team. Beckham founded the team in 2018. In November, the club were granted permission to construct their stadium which will be known as Miami Freedom Park and be located near the city’s international airport.

In addition to Suarez, the Beckham owned franchise have also been linked with Blaugrana star Sergio Busquets who said in April that the prospect of playing in MLS ‘really appeals to me’.

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https://sports.yahoo.com/report-inter-miami-makes-huge-211705124.html

Report: Inter Miami makes huge offer to Luis Suarez