MLS Expansion - Philadelphia a step ahead of St. Louis
MLS Commissioner Don Garber didn't say a lot about expansion but what he did say was very telling.
First, he said that the race to land the next expansion team was indeed a two city event between Philadelphia and St. Louis, meaning that even if Miami moves ahead on their stadium idea or if Montreal pulls together their group, they are non-factors. Second, he said "If Philadelphia is able to finalize their plan, they have been leading the charge and have a step ahead of St. Louis." So if both team are equal, Philadelphia will get the nod.
The idea that Philadelphia is the more desired of the two cities should not come as a big surprise as they are a bigger market and is the last major city along the Northern East Coast without a team.
Something else the Garber mentioned was expanding the deadline (huge shock). He has been saying for months that 31 Jan was the latest date MLS was willing to consider but that has now moved. Although they would prefer to announce by the end of the month, they are now willing to wait 30-45 days, which could push it back to the end of February. It looks to me that this is yet another example of the league wanting to give the Philadelphia big every opportunity to be successful.
First, he said that the race to land the next expansion team was indeed a two city event between Philadelphia and St. Louis, meaning that even if Miami moves ahead on their stadium idea or if Montreal pulls together their group, they are non-factors. Second, he said "If Philadelphia is able to finalize their plan, they have been leading the charge and have a step ahead of St. Louis." So if both team are equal, Philadelphia will get the nod.
The idea that Philadelphia is the more desired of the two cities should not come as a big surprise as they are a bigger market and is the last major city along the Northern East Coast without a team.
Something else the Garber mentioned was expanding the deadline (huge shock). He has been saying for months that 31 Jan was the latest date MLS was willing to consider but that has now moved. Although they would prefer to announce by the end of the month, they are now willing to wait 30-45 days, which could push it back to the end of February. It looks to me that this is yet another example of the league wanting to give the Philadelphia big every opportunity to be successful.
Labels: Don Garber, MLS, MLS expansion, Philadelphia, St. Louis
posted by Mike H at 9:02 AM
2 Comments:
I don't have any sources to back this up, but I remember hearing that the league really wanted to be in Chicago and Philly from day one. They got Chi-town in 98 but have been unable to get into Philly...until now (hopefully).
How could Philly be ahead of St. Louis? St. Louis has been ready for months. They have the land, and the funding. As an outsider, it looks to me as if Don Garber doesn't want to give it to St. Louis. St. Louis has been ready but the 'deadline' has been pushed back more than once to accommodate Philly. Give it to St. Louis already!
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