By Paul Nicholson
June 3 – England football icon David Beckham’s love affair with the US continues. He was back in America this weekend visiting Miami and discussing the opportunity for an MLS expansion team in South Florida.
Beckham only recently returned to Europe after finishing with the LA Galaxy in the MLS last season, joining Paris St Germain and ending the season and his career with a French Championship last month. But it has always been expected that he would keep an involvement in the US and the MLS.
Beckham had an option in his MLS contract for the purchase of an MLS expansion team at a reduced fee. He has at various times confirmed his interest to exercise that option and Miami is one of several cities that are believed to be in discussion.
On Miami’s part there is no doubt they are keen for the ‘Beckham-effect’ and an MLS franchise. Miami Dade County commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz said: “There is huge political support. It is not only from the county, it’s 100% support from the municipalities, the mayors and the commissioner, the counselors from the different cities, they are also extremely supportive,”
If Beckham was to enter the ownership structure of US soccer it seems unlikely he would do it alone. While in Miami, Beckham toured the Florida International University football stadium with Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure, owner of Bolivian side Bolivar and previously involved with a Miami franchise. The speculation is that he would be prepared to invest again if the right group and support was available.
Beckham also visited Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium, and met with MLS Miami Bid, a fan group lobbying to bring an MLS franchise to the city. And, in keeping with his celebrity, he was presented with the keys to Miami-Dade County by mayor Carlos Gimenez, another former LA Galaxy midfielder.
The MLS now has 20 franchises awarded, the latest being the joint venture NYCFC (New York City Football Club) between Manchester City and the New York Yankees announced last month and scheduled to start playing in the 2015 season.
Miami previously had a franchise, the Miami Fusion, that folded in 2002. There is some scepticism that the city’s fans will turn out to support a new franchise. FC Barcelona pulled out of their idea of a branded club on South Beach.
The old Miami Fusion stadium, Lockhardt Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, is currently occupied by the North American Soccer League’s (NASL) Ft Lauderdale Strikers, but is need of renovation.
Miami is not necessarily a straightforward expansion choice for the MLS which has now awarded 20 franchises. There are a number of other cities around the US clamouring for a piece of the action, and many with a stronger football base or big backers.
Orlando, Florida, is establishing it’s credentials with a third tier team that is already averaging attendances of 8,000; Minneapolis-St Paul has the backing of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and they are already in discussion with the MLS; while San Antonio, Texas, are regularly packing more than 10,000 fans into the Scorpions’ new soccer-specific stadium.
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