David Beckham and Brightstar Communications CEO Marcelo Claure "remain in serious discussions" about bringing an MLS franchise to Miami, but "nothing has been finalized, the stadium issue is still a question mark, and another interested ownership group emerged this week," according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. A source said that Beckham and Claure "met in Japan last week and plan to meet again in the next few weeks" in L.A. Beckham "has an option to buy a franchise for a sharply discounted price" believed to be $25M, but the option "expires in December, so he would have to decide before then." Meanwhile, a London-based investment group led by hedge fund The Children's Investment partner Alessandro Butini "made its pitch for MLS-to-Miami official on Tuesday, partnering with the University of Miami School of Architecture to develop ideas for a viable soccer-specific stadium, and launching a website -- MIA4MLS.com -- to drum up fan interest." Butini said that his plan "would include a privately-funded stadium." His partners include Marco Novelli, who has "been successful in real estate ventures", and Suzie MacCagnan, a former N.Y. financial advisor who "more recently has brokered deals" between foreign investment groups and EPL clubs. Butini said MLS Commissioner Don Garber "told me the stadium is the biggest variable, the No. 1 priority, so I am tackling that issue head on." Butini "gave a presentation to UM architecture students and a few local architects Monday," and he "sees Miami Beach or downtown Miami as the best places for a stadium, but has no specific location in mind yet" (MIAMI HERALD, 10/2).
UPDATE ON ORLANDO'S EXPANSION BID: In Orlando, Mark Schlueb reported two "small pieces of property are among the final hurdles for Orlando to clear before it can move forward with plans" to build an MLS stadium downtown, but the property's owners "aren't willing to negotiate." Because of that, the city of Orlando is "turning to eminent domain to seize the land at a court-ordered price." The team has said that MLS "requires its new franchises to play in soccer-specific stadiums." City commissioners are "expected to approve a funding package on Oct. 7, and Orange County commissioners will vote Oct. 22" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 10/1).
