Minnesota United were officially confirmed as the next Major League Soccer expansion team on Wednesday — while David Beckham’s would-be Miami club remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Minnesota, who have competed in the second-tier North American Soccer League since 2010, will make their MLS debut starting with the 2018 season.
Coupled with already-announced expansion plans for Atlanta and the re-creation of the team formerly known as Chivas USA in Los Angeles, Minnesota United will be the 23rd franchise in MLS — and the 13th new team to join since 2005.
“We have a plan here that we believe in,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said during a news conference at the home of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins. “A plan that we believe will take the sport to a higher level.”
MLS grew to 20 clubs this season with Orlando City and New York City FC both joining the league.
Miami is in line to become the 24th MLS franchise, but the Florida team is in doubt as the would-be owners have been unable to secure a stadium deal.
The two sites Beckham sought were rejected by Miami government leaders, leaving the project in limbo.
The city has pitched a possible stadium site near the home ballpark of Major League Baseball’s Marlins.
According to the Miami Herald, Beckham spoke to Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine about the Marlins Park site at a birthday partner for fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger.
“I think he has a sense of openness and willingness to anything,” Levine said.