MLS holds its All-Star Weekend in Orlando starting
Thursday, but Orlando "is not in the expansion picture" for
the league, according to Javier Solano of the ORLANDO
SENTINEL. Though MLS's two FL teams, the Mutiny and Fusion,
"are struggling for audiences," Solano wrote that until MLS
"exhausts all possible solutions to the challenge of the
Tampa market, Orlando is not a relocation option, either."
MLS Commissioner Doug Logan: "We are committed to making a
go of it in Tampa. It would be irresponsible of us to put a
third team in Florida without making sure the first two
you've got in there are solid. That being said, you never
say never." Logan said that the All-Star Weekend "is not a
trial balloon in Orlando" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/26).
EMPTY CUP? Tampa's bid to host MLS Cup '99 "could
vaporize" unless the Mutiny can finalize a lease agreement
to play next season at Raymond James Stadium, according to
Bill Ward of the TAMPA TRIBUNE. The "sticking point" in
lease negotiations involves the use of the stadium's video
boards, as Mutiny/MLS sponsors who would buy time to appear
on the boards "could conflict with Bucs sponsors." The
Mutiny is also targeting revenues from parking and
concessions, while the TSA's lease with the Bucs allows the
Bucs to keep the first $2M from non-Bucs events after TSA
costs are paid. MLS sources said that the TSA's MLS Cup bid
package "gave the Bucs rights to the concessions and parking
-- $250,000-$300,000 in revenue" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/25).
SUN-IL ALSO RISES: In Orlando, Javier Solano profiles
MLS Deputy Commissioner Sunil Gulati, who is responsible for
the league's player acquisition, development and placement.
Salano writes that "some have called it the most powerful
position in U.S. Soccer" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/28).
