MLS will expand to 12 teams in '98 and hopes to increase to
16 by 2004, Commissioner Doug Logan reported on Friday. Logan:
"The plan is to establish marketing offices in cities in January
1997 and give them 15 months to sell tickets and establish
relationships with businesses. There is a belief on the part of
the management committee that we should expand to a 16-team
league and expand in orderly fashion. For now, we are planning
to go forward in the present mode of league-operated teams"
(Frank Dell'Apa, BOSTON GLOBE, 8/17). Logan was interviewed on
CNBC's "Power Lunch" on Friday. On what they will look for in
expansion cities: "We look for a stadium, we look for markets
that we think would be receptive to our sport, we look for
corporate support in the community, we look for the indicators
that we'll be able to sell season tickets in that particular
market." Cities mentioned: Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta,
Seattle, St. Louis, San Diego and Miami (CNBC, 8/16).
HUNGRY CITIES: The MIAMI HERALD notes six groups of
investors are seeking a team for the city, but only one -- a
group led by Bud Paxson and Bruce Frey -- has been confirmed by
MLS. The team could play in either Joe Robbie Stadium or the
Orange Bowl (Barry Jackson, MIAMI HERALD, 8/17). Logan said San
Diego is a "prime candidate," but added, "Tell me where I can
play." The SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE's Mark Zeigler notes that a
new Padres ballpark by 2000 would leave Jack Murphy Stadium
vacant in the summer (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/17). USA TODAY
lists Chicago as a "strong contender" for one of the two '98
spots, with Charlotte and Atlanta also noted (Jerry Langdon, USA
TODAY, 8/19).
JUST KICKING SOME IDEAS AROUND: Logan, on future TV deals:
"You're going to see us develop a media partner that is able to
give us cable penetration, over-the-air penetration and
international penetration in what is becoming a highly evolved
method of distribution worldwide via satellites, cable and over
the air" (CNBC, 8/17). The league projects to average 16,000
fans per game this year, exceeding expectations. Other
announcements: The '97 season will run two weeks longer, ending
with the title game at RFK Stadium in DC; there will be more
weekend and Friday night games scheduled; a fifth foreign player
will be added to each team -- pending FIFA approval; the salary
cap will be increased. Also, there is talk of establishing a
women's league affiliation before the '99 Women's World Cup is
held in the U.S. (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/17). Logan said MLS is
committed to keeping the Mutiny in Tampa Bay for '97, but he
would make no guarantees after that. The Mutiny average
12,306/game, 9th out of 10 teams (ST. PETE TIMES, 8/17).
