While MLS tentatively awarded Minneapolis an expansion franchise this week, the "even bigger news offered almost as an afterthought was that officials will study this year growing to more than 24 clubs," according to Nick Green of the Torrance DAILY BREEZE. MLS Commissioner Don Garber previously has said that 30 teams "is too many." But MLS "has already bounded beyond the 20-team limit FIFA recommends as an apt league size to keep the number of games down to manageable levels." It now appears the "self-imposed 24-team limit may also be in jeopardy." The dilemma for MLS is to "gain a big enough footprint for the sport to reach a critical mass, while not recklessly expanding just for the sake of doing so as wealthy owners continue to underwrite tens of millions in annual losses" (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 3/19). Meanwhile, in Toronto, Kurtis Larson writes under the header, "After Years Of Struggles, MLS Has Finally Arrived." League execs now "openly acknowledge rapid expansion is on the horizon." Consider that just 10 years ago, the league "had a dozen mostly floundering teams," and things "start to look pretty good comparatively." Observers also have "come to expect sellout crowds across the continent on a weekly basis -- a mere dream a decade ago." While some problems "persist," the league’s "continued upward trend remains the focus in addition to its stability" (TORONTO SUN, 3/19).
LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES: In Orlando, Paul Tenorio writes in today's MLS, "parity rules and anything can happen week to week." The unpredictability of the league is one of its "most fascinating qualities." Orlando City SC coach Adrian Heath said that it is "a distinct attribute in the U.S. that leagues around the world try -- and fail -- to replicate." Tenorio notes this is partially because the salary-cap structure "has a major impact, with teams limited in spending outside of the designated player exceptions." With a cap in place, richer clubs "can't automatically outpace smaller-market squads" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/19).
RONNY'S WORLD: The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Graham Parker noted in the months since David Beckham announced that he officially had chosen Miami as the city for his MLS expansion franchise, two attempts to secure a stadium site "have collapsed and the project has begun to drift alarmingly." However, Beckham is "still a force in the soccer world." If he were able to "use his influence to land" Real Madrid F Cristiano Ronaldo -- who reportedly is interested in joining MLS when his contract with the La Liga club expires in '18 -- it is "reasonable to assume that MLS would extend the same flexibility to Beckham as it did to NYCFC." The expansion club is playing at Yankee Stadium and "will continue there for the forseeable future in the absence of a stadium deal" (WSJ.com, 3/18).
