MLS Expansion: Bidders take stakes on local clubs

by Paul Kenned

With Nashville businessman John R. Ingram's purchase of a majority interest in Nashville SC, which will begin play in the USL in 2018, eight of the 12 MLS expansion bidders include backers with interests in U.S. pro soccer clubs, most purchased or launched in 2016 or 2017.

A ninth, Sacramento, is working out differences between Sac Soccer & Entertainment Holdings and Sacramento Republic FC, specifically MLS lead investor Kevin Nagle and Sac Republic founder Warren Smith, over the purchase of the club currently in the USL.

There has been no direct tie-in between Detroit's Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores, and Detroit City FC, the popular NPSL team, or Charlotte's Marcus Smith and the USL Charlotte Independence.

There is no pro soccer team in San Diego -- Mexican first division leader Tijuana is just across the border -- but the USL and NASL have both been rumored to be eyeing the market. It is not known whether the San Diego bid group that now includes Landon Donovan has any interest in operating a team.

MLS Expansion Bidders: Pro Soccer Ties
1. Charlotte (-)
2. Cincinnati:Carl H. Lindner III, FC Cincinnati, USL, launched: 2016.
3. Detroit (-)
4. Indianapolis:Ersal Ozdemir, Indy Eleven, NASL, launched: 2014.
5. Nashville:John R. Ingram, Nashville SC, USL purchased: 2017.
6. Phoenix:Berke Bakay, Phoenix Rising FC, USL, purchased: 2016.
7. Raleigh/Durham:Steve Malik, North Carolina FC, NASL, purchased: 2015; NC Courage, NWSL, purchased/relocated: 2016.
8. Sacramento (-)
9. St. Louis:Jim Kavanaugh, Saint Louis FC, USL, launched: 2015.
10. San Antonio:Spurs Sports & Entertainment, San Antonio FC, USL, launched: 2016.
11. San Diego (-)
12. Tampa/St. Petersburg:Bill Edwards, Tampa Bay Rowdies, USL, purchased: 2013.