MLS is currently on the hunt for their 30th team.
Speaking with the media before the 2023 season, Commissioner Don Garber spoke about how the league wanted to expand by the end of this year: “ee do need more teams. The 30th team will come at some point soon. Hopefully, we’d like to get that announced by the end of the year.”
There are three cities that the league has its eye on. From least likely to most, here are the three teams that could join MLS within the year.
Once on the cusp of joining the league, Sacramento’s bid collapsed in 2021, but that doesn’t mean they’re not candidates for the 30th team.
Named alongside other expansion candidates, the California team may not be the favorite but they have the infrastructure and fan support that make their bid intriguing.
San Diego is in strong contention to be the 30th MLS.
With a great location and soccer history, San Diego would be the fourth California team to enter the league behind the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and LAFC. Garber even went as far as to say they could very well be the 30th team over Las Vegas.
The city has also made headway, adding they would partner up with NWSL side San Diego Wave for the stadium.
Lastly, out of all the bids on this list, Las Vegas seems the most likely to get awarded the next expansion team.
An untapped market of soccer potential; if Las Vegas were to get into MLS, they would only be the second professional soccer team to play in the city behind Las Vegas Lights FC.
Garber also mentioned that, along with San Diego, Vegas is one of the favorites to be granted a franchise.
Credit: 90min.com
