MLS board includes Las Vegas’ proposal in report
Las Vegas’ bid for a Major League Soccer team drew the attention of the league’s Board of Governors on Saturday, when the board received a report on expansion proposals by groups in Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Sacramento, Calif.
The partnership of Findlay Sports &Entertainment and Cordish Cos. is seeking an MLS expansion franchise as the league grows from 19 to 24 teams.
The Findlay-Cordish team also is seeking a subsidy from the city of Las Vegas to help pay for a $200 million soccer stadium in Symphony Park. The latest funding deal calls for the city to kick in $20 million to $25 million for a stadium as part of a stadium and parks bond of $50 million.
“During the MLS Board of Governors meeting (Saturday), the League’s Expansion Committee provided a report on presentations made by Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Sacramento in November,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement from the MLS board meeting in Los Angeles.
“Members of the Board were very impressed with the strength of the four proposals from the three markets. The league also provided an update on developments in San Antonio,” Garber said.
The Las Vegas City Council plans to discuss the stadium subsidy issue Dec. 17.
The MLS Board of Governors hopes to announce the next expansion market during the first half of 2015.
“Our next step is to meet with each group to review outstanding questions and issues with respect to these markets,” Garber said. “Following these meetings, we will announce a final selection process for this expansion round.”
Contact reporter Alan Snel at asnel@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5273. Follow @BicycleManSnel on Twitter.