David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise in Miami moves step closer
Former England skipper David Beckham’s bid to create a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami moved a step closer yesterday after American football bosses endorsed his plans for a stadium.
Beckham’s team of investors acquired a site in the City’s Overtown area on Friday, the team’s fourth attempt to buy a suitable Miami site, where the group hopes Miami Beckham United would be housed in a 25,000-30,000-seat stadium.
MLS governors have since met and given a nod of approval for Beckham’s proposal, with the league’s current plan to increase the number of teams from 20 to 24 by 2020, while the long-term strategy is to expand to 28.
“We are very supportive of Miami Beckham United’s plans to locate their stadium in the City of Miami’s Overtown neighbourhood,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
“Their vision for a world-class venue within the urban core that is accessible by mass transportation is impressive, and we believe it will be an important part of the continued revitalisation of the area.
“We look forward to working with David and his partners to finalise plans to bring Major League Soccer to Miami.”
Beckham and his advisers inserted a clause into his contract when he signed for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 that would allow him to create his own franchise.