Mets Consider Buying MLS Expansion Franchise, Perhaps By 2011

Mets Exec VP/Business Operations Dave Howard, in an interview with Bloomberg Radio's "On The Ball" program, set to air Saturday, said that the Mets are "looking into purchasing [an MLS] club after completing construction of Citi Field," according to Larry DiTore of BLOOMBERG NEWS. Howard said that an MLS team "likely would play in a different venue that would give the team a chance to host other events as well." Howard said of the Mets, "Our vision is not to be just a successful baseball team, but to be a world-class sports and media entertainment company. We're a lot closer to that goal than we were five years ago." MLS, which currently has 14 teams with expansion franchises slated for Seattle and Philadelphia, has further plans to expand to 18 teams by 2011, and MLS Senior VP/Marketing & Communications Dan Courtemanche said that a "team owned by the Mets could be one of those 2011 teams." The MLS Red Bulls next season will open a new stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, and Courtemanche said a "second team in New York would provide a true local rivalry for the Red Bulls and increase the overall popularity of the league in the area and nationally" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 9/11). On Long Island, Roderick Boone notes if the Mets are awarded an MLS franchise, it is "unclear if the team would play in New York or elsewhere" (NEWSDAY, 9/12).