Report: Negotiations Set To Start For Miami MLS Stadium
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Negotiations reportedly began Tuesday between Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez's office and soccer icon David Beckham's team of investors for the construction of a new soccer-only stadium in the Magic City.
Miami Beckham United and Gimenez's office are set to discuss up to 30 possible stadium sites in the county, according to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald. At the top of the list of sites is a county-owned location at PortMiami.
According to the Herald, Beckham and Major League Soccer officials could announce progress on the new expansion franchise as early as next week. The MLS is expected to announce as early as February the new franchise for Beckham, who will be purchasing a franchise for a discounted price of $25 million.
MLS officials have made it clear that the awarding of a new franchise is contingent on a new soccer-only stadium being constructed in Miami. However, county officials have repeatedly said no county money will go towards the stadium and any use of public land would require a rent payment.
According to the Herald, Beckham's investors will instead target money from the state to help with the stadium.
No decision is expected in the near future, but with Beckham's cash and the financial backing of several key figures; it appears to only be a matter of when not if a MLS franchise comes to Miami.
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