MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP)—
Major League Soccer has reached a stage of “advanced discussions” with a group of investors seeking an outdoor stadium for an expansion team in Minnesota, eliminating the Vikings owners who wanted an MLS club to play in the covered NFL venue set to open next year.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber made the announcement Monday. The Vikings followed with a statement, confirming the league has informed them of the plan to pursue a soccer-specific stadium in Minneapolis.
Minnesota has not been selected yet. Sacramento is the other competitor to become the league’s 24th franchise.
Kevin Nagle, the lead investor in the Sacramento Republic FC, issued a statement following this update:
“Less than a year ago, Sacramento wasn’t on the map for Major League Soccer. In that short time period, we have demonstrated a market, assembled one of the best ownership groups in sports and secured a site and funding for a downtown soccer specific stadium. We are in the best position of any market for the next MLS franchise and look forward to continuing our full pitch to MLS on why the time is right for Sacramento.”
Garber said the MLS is still on track to choose its newest city in four-to-six weeks.
