Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced last week during the MLS All Star Game that the league would be expanding to 24 teams by the year 2020. Who will these additional 4 franchises be? We reached out to a number of people in the know from prospective MLS cities and asked them, why their city? It's a series we're calling MLS2020. You can join in on the conversation on Twitter using #MLS2020. Next up, we talk to Ed Serrano from MLS Miami Bid about Miami, Florida.
Total-MLS (TMLS): The league has released a number of criteria that they will base their expansion decision on. Let’s hit on each of the criteria.
Committed and engaged ownership: We have heard the rumblings of David Beckham possibly owning a Miami MLS franchise. What is the latest on this and are there any other possible ownership groups who may step forward?
Ed Serrano (ES): It doesn't get any bigger than David Beckham and his partner Marcelo Claure.This isn't something that just started in June. They've been talking for a few years now so it's nothing new. We've also heard from at least 3 other groups but with all this Beckham news perhaps they'll join forces.
TMLS: A comprehensive stadium plan: Are there any discussions or plans in place for a soccer specific stadium in the Miami area?
ES: They can start at FIU Stadium. Sun Life Stadium is another option but it's too big. If they can figure out a way to cover the lower bowl of that Stadium then it might work out (It holds about 30K). But my money's on FIU Stadium with a SSS in the near future. I'd tell you specific locations but then I'd have to kill you. All secret till they announce the team. I'm hearing there are many options, one I hear would be in a spectacular location.
TMLS: Demonstrated fan support for professional soccer in the market: We know about Miami’s previous stint in MLS. What will be different this time around with fan support in the South Florida market?
ES: Soccer fans in South Florida are some of the best in the country, particularly when it comes to supporting European and Latin American teams. Our TV ratings are huge, usually in the top 3 in the country! I'd like to invite anyone to meet us for a USMNT game one day with the American Outlaws (Fans meet at Fado Irish pub in Brickell). We get huge numbers to those games, you'll see 200 to 300 people supporting the USA. These are the potential MLS Miami supporters group members. They all want a local MLS team to root for. Some of them are also members of the Miami Ultras currently supporting the Strikers in NASL. Beckham & Claure will need to seduce fans with top players, good football (soccer) and a winning team. It will take some time to establish the fan base but I think it will work. The Miami Fusion were on the right path in 2001 but they pulled the plug too soon. I believe MLS realized it was a mistake contracting that team and that's why they want to come back.
TMLS: Support from sponsors, television partners and other constituents: What support does Miami have in place from these parties?
ES: Miami is a top TV market that MLS will need to secure to obtain a more lucrative TV deal. BeInSports, Univision, GolTV, Telemundo just to name a few are some of the networks based in South Florida. Add to that the Beckham factor and you have a walking billboard that will get MLS the free publicity they need. Not only will the sports TV shows & news papers be filled with soccer but also the gossip columns will be booming with mentions of MLS and Beckham's team. If anyone can make a team in South Florida work it's got to be Becks. I've got no doubt sponsors will be lining up to do business, not to mention some of the best players in the world will be fighting for one of the 3 DP spots. They all want to take their talents to South Beach!
TMLS: Geographic location: We all know about the lack of a MLS team in the southeast. What makes Miami a good location for expansion?
ES: They don't call Miami the Gateway to the America's for nothing! MLS wants to expand to the southeast but they also want to expand their brand farther South and the way to do it is via Miami. While the rest of the country hates Miami, we don't get the same hate South of the border or even from Europe and the rest of the world. Everyone loves Miami and they'll like our team just because it's in Miami and they'll be able to identify with it. But more than anything putting a team in South Florida gives MLS a true national footprint. Bring Orlando in with us and we have a great rivalry that will ensure both markets succeed.
TMLS: A strategic business plan for the launch and successful operation of the club: With a MLS team already having come and gone in Miami, what kind of plan do you think Miami will put in place to make sure their franchise is successful in MLS this time?
ES: I'm pretty sure Marcelo Claure has the best minds in the area developing a plan that will work in today's South Florida market. There is a reason why Claure is a billionaire, he knows how to run a business in Miami. He's lived here for a very long time so he knows the intricacies of what makes this town tick and more important he knows how to run a soccer team (Owns Bolivia's current Champion and most popular team Bolivar).
TMLS: Finally, why should Miami be chosen for a MLS expansion franchise and what are the chances it does happen?
ES: I don't think you'll find a city or a team that will be more hated across the USA and Canada than Miami's MLS team. If you want a team that will make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer it will be Beckham's team. MLS wants to be in South Florida and they want Beckham involved in this league again. I'm pretty confident we'll be Team number 21 or 22 coming into the league in 2015-16. Let the hate begin!
We'd like to thank Ed for his time and if you have any comments or questions you can tweet us or MLS Miami Bid and use #MLS2020. You can also listen to the Ultras Alive radio show and read more about Miami's expansion bid and sign up for season ticket dedications at their site.
(image courtesy of mlsmiamibid.com)
