Vancouver Reportedly In Final Talks To Land MLS Expansion Team

Sources Say MLS Expansion Franchise Could Begin Play In Vancouver In '11

USL Vancouver Whitecaps Owner Greg Kerfoot and MLS Commissioner Don Garber are "negotiating the final details" for an MLS expansion franchise to begin play in Vancouver in '11, according to sources cited by Matthew Sekeres of the GLOBE & MAIL. The team would replace the existing Whitecaps club, but retain the nickname. MLS Senior VP/Marketing & Communications Dan Courtemanche Friday said that the league is "hoping to announce" its next two expansion franchises by March 31, but added that an announcement "could still come before the MLS season begins on March 19." Courtemanche also indicated that MLS could introduce one franchise this month, and the next in April. Sekeres noted the fact MLS is "considering separate announcements further suggests than Vancouver will receive a franchise," because it is the only bidder with "confirmed financial backing and a resolved stadium plan." It is believed that negotiations between Vancouver's bid group -- which also includes Suns G Steve Nash and former Yahoo President & COO and MLB Giants Principal Partner Jeff Mallett --and MLS revolves around the league's $40M franchise fee. A source said that despite Atlanta, Montreal and Miami all withdrawing their bids, MLS "considers the franchise fee non-negotiable." However, the source added that the league is "well aware of the financial times and would be willing to discuss a method in which successful bidders could pay the fee over a longer period" (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/7). Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi said, "We're one of four clubs right now and that's where we're at. We're keeping our heads down -- not assuming anything" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 3/8).

OFF THE OREGON TRAIL? The PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL's Erik Siemers reported an "apparent dispute" between Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard and USL Portland Timbers Owner Merritt Paulson has put the city's bid for an MLS franchise "on shaky ground." Leonard said that Paulson, who is asking for "city help in financing $85[M] for two stadium projects, stormed out of a meeting" Thursday night with City Commissioners after "refusing to insulate the city from cost over-runs." However, Paulson Friday in a statement said that he is "close to reaching an agreement with the city that would help land a MLS franchise." Paulson is seeking public help to finance an upgrade to Portland's PGE Park for a new MLS team, and also to build a new ballpark for the Triple-A PCL Portland Beavers, which he owns. The city since has "asked Paulson to seek additional private financing and also sign a guarantee to back city-issued bonds in case his plans falter." Leonard said that Paulson "balked" at the request to cover cost overruns. He added that Paulson "asked for another meeting Friday but the commissioner declined, saying he needed the weekend to consider the issue." A vote on the stadium project "could come as soon as Wednesday" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/6). In Portland, Mark Larabee noted Paulson repeatedly has said that "he and his family would guarantee that the city wouldn't have to dip into the general fund to pay off the construction loans." Paulson also has said that he "wouldn't move the teams out of Portland and is considering using some of his own money for construction." Paulson has until March 19 to formally submit a bid to MLS, and "one element he needs is a financing commitment from the city" (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/7).

Report Says Senators Owner Has No Intention Of Being Scared Away From MLS Expansion Bid

STILL KICKING: In Ottawa, Richard Starnes reported Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk has "no intention of being scared away" from his MLS expansion bid, despite Miami dropping its bid and Galaxy MF David Beckham not returning to the league until July. Senators COO Cyril Leeder said, "This really hasn't affected us in any of our planning. Any economic condition, or this or that player being in the league won't have a long-term impact on the game, the value of the franchise or our commitment to the league. We believe in MLS and in the sport." Leeder added of Miami dropping out of the bidding process, "What it does is decrease the odds. Our percentage on the Las Vegas board will have gone up" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 3/7).