Dynamo President Chris Canetti is "currently working on a partnership" with the NBA D-League Rio Grande Valley Vipers to form a USL expansion team for the '16 season, according to Darrell Lovell of MLSSOCCER.com. The intent is for the Dynamo to "control soccer operations while the McAllen-based basketball organization handles the business side." Canetti said, "They’re working very hard down there with USL in terms of pressing forward and trying to gain a franchise, and they’re also making a lot of strides in terms of the facility with the city. It's progress, and they’re moving ahead." Lovell noted the "next major step is to secure plans for a soccer-specific stadium that meets the USL’s standards for entry into the league." Talks between the organization and the city of McAllen "have been ongoing since late last year and are still moving toward a permanent solution." Canetti said that there is a "backup plan in place to move forward regardless." He added that the "optimal conclusion is for the McAllen-based group to hammer out a deal," and that it "could come at any time." But Lovell noted the "bottom line" is that in '16, "whether in Houston or the valley, the Dynamo will have a farm club to develop emerging talent" (MLSSOCCER.com, 3/24).
