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MLS Expansion: Identifying the Next Franchise Destinations

By Abraham Velasquez

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the first half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the first half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) /
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The pulse of Major League Soccer (MLS) beats with anticipation as we delve into the league’s continuous expansion, with the forthcoming arrival of San Diego in mind. While San Diego readies itself to join the MLS ranks, a pressing question looms large: Which cities should claim the next franchise slots?

San Diego: The New Recruit

Before examining the prospects of potential expansion cities, it’s imperative to acknowledge the imminent arrival of San Diego in the MLS. Known for its fervent sports culture and ideal climate, San Diego’s introduction to the league is a heralded and strategic move, offering yet another captivating destination for soccer aficionados.

San Diego’s inclusion serves as a testament to MLS’s intent to cultivate markets with a fervent soccer culture and an expanding fan base, setting the stage for escalating growth and engagement.

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Prospective Expansion Cities: The Contenders

While San Diego takes the spotlight, there is a roster of cities that have long been on the MLS’s expansion radar. Here are some formidable contenders:

Las Vegas, Nevada: Las Vegas, with its robust growth in the professional sports realm courtesy of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, is in the running. The city’s reputation as a sports and entertainment nucleus renders it an alluring proposition for MLS expansion.

Phoenix, Arizona: Phoenix’s surging population and thriving economy mark it as a prime contender. The city’s inclination to invest in sports, exemplified by its professional basketball and baseball teams, positions it as an inviting destination for the MLS.

Charlotte, North Carolina: With a burgeoning populace and a vibrant soccer culture, Charlotte is a city primed for soccer expansion. The strides of Charlotte FC within the league are a barometer of the market’s potential.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Indianapolis harbors an ardent sports following, hosting the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL and the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. The addition of an MLS franchise could elevate the city’s sporting landscape.

Louisville, Kentucky: Louisville boasts a burgeoning soccer community complete with passionate fans, and the successful run of Louisville City FC in the USL underscores the potential for soccer to thrive in this locale.

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