If reports from MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott are to be believed, the league could be charging a lot more money for prospective expansion teams. MLS recently wrapped up its Board of Governors Meetings, and the topic of expansion was on the forefront of discussions. In a statement posted to mlssoccer.com on Monday, Abbott stated that MLS expansion fees could reach as high as $200 million as the league looks to swell to 28 teams.
Atlanta United is slated to join the league next year. Minnesota United (or whatever they will end up being called) andLos Angeles FC are hopefully joining by 2018. David Beckham’s Miami project is next in line if they can get their stadium situation sorted out. That would set the league at 24 sides. St. Louis and Sacramento lead the race to 28 teams. Detroit, San Antonio, Cincinnati, and San Diego have also expressed interest in the league.
To date, the highest expansion fee ever paid to MLS was LAFC’s $110 million.
Why are MLS expansion fees so high?
The main reason MLS can charge such ridiculous prices for admission is because there are ownership groups willing to pay. If LAFC didn’t think ponying up $110 million would be worth it, MLS wouldn’t be able to charge that much. The same would go for the prospective $200 million fee. If the investors looking to bring new teams in aren’t willing to pay that much, the number would drop. Just don’t expect that to happen anytime soon.
