It's been several years in the making, but finally... Major League Soccer in Miami is starting to feel inevitable.
Welcome to the Miami Sports Weekly Rundown, I'm David Baumann.
Having witnessed what MLS soccer and Orlando City Soccer has done in Orlando to energize its community, I'm telling you, MLS in Miami will be a great, great thing.
This twitter post of MasTec co-founder Jorge Mas alongside soccer icon David Beckham and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure makes everything appear within reach.
Is An MLS Soccer Team Coming To Miami?
"We had super, super productive meetings in K.C.," Mas (pictured left), told the Miami Herald. "I'm very excited for what we can bring the Miami soccer fan,"
"We'll have some big news to announce in the near future."
An official team-launch news conference could come at the end of the month, according to the Herald.
Jorge and brother Jose Mas (also of Miami-based MasTec) recently replaced Los Angeles-based businessman Todd Boehly (co-owner of the L.A. Dodgers) in the proposed club's ownership group after the "MLS wanted more local owners involved with the team," according to South Florida Business Journal.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son (worth an estimated $23B), has also been brought on board, according to Forbes.
Ownership was in Kansas City this past week to meet with Populous, a global sports venue architecture firm.
Here's Populous' mockup of a 25,000-seat Miami soccer stadium in the Overtown neighborhood.
For David Beckham, owning an MLS franchise has been more than 10 years in the making.
As part of his 2007 blockbuster deal that brought Beckham to the MLS's L.A. Galaxy from Manchester United, Beckham was given the opportunity to purchase a franchise upon retirement for $25M.
That's turning out to be an absolute steal because as the MLS grew in popularity, so did the price-tag for a franchise.
As Forbes notes, Toronto FC paid $10M in 2007 to launch a team.
Seattle paid $30M in 2009.
Vancouver paid $35M in 2011.
Orlando City Soccer paid $70M in 2013.
New York City FC paid $100M in 2015.
This year, Cincinnati, Detroit, Sacramento, and Nashville are jockeying for the right to pay $150M to join the league.
It's amazing to think that two of those teams will be lucky enough to pay that fee.
Now, I can say that I've experienced several MLS games in Orlando.
The fans are extremely passionate.
The city was starved for soccer.
And the experience has been something to behold.
There's a pregame parade into the stadium for its most raucous supporters.
Smoke bombs fill the stadium with the teams colors.
The in-game cheers and rally cries are incredible.
And I don't think it'll be any different in Miami.
The "Southern Legion" supporters group has been awaiting the team's arrival for years.
They already have their MLS Miami scarves ready to rock.
In response to Marcelo Claure's twitter post asking Miami fans, "First owner meeting. #Miami here we come. Are you ready for us? #MiamiMLS"
David M. responded:
"If we can get a winning franchise, I believe #MiamiMLS soccer will be the most popular team in Miami, after the Heat."
Another said, "Can't wait to see it come true."
But there are several who aren't buying it until it's official.
Bob W. said, "A 'first' owner meeting nearly four years of announcing the team?"
And Ernest R. said, "Yawn. 4 more years."
Well, it will be at least a couple more years before play actually begins.
It's been reported that Miami could begin play in 2020.
Once it becomes official, I PROMISE YOU -- and keep in mind, this is coming from someone who did not like soccer for the majority of his life -- you will NOT be disappointed.
We'll certainly keep our eyes and ears open for a coming announcement regarding the team.
David Baumann is a Sports Columnist for 305area.com and can be heard Tuesdays on EK Sports, 96.9 The Game FM Orlando (or anywhere on iHeartRadio).
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