MLS' Garber Gives Strong Indications On Charlotte Expansion

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league is in “very, very advanced discussions” with NFL Panthers Owner David Tepper and his group to bring an MLS club to Charlotte. Speaking yesterday after the league's BOG meetings in N.Y., Garber said while no formal approval was granted, the board “authorized the MLS Expansion Committee to enter into what I expect to be final negotiations.” He said the remaining issues with Charlotte surround Bank of America Stadium and keeping it up to the same standards the league has for its other venues.

Issues include ensuring there is a proper supporters section, having the right tunnels/locker rooms and the club producing a plan to manage the size of the stadium should it not draw 70,000 fans per game. Garber declined to comment on a timetable for a formal expansion announcement, with some reports suggesting Dec. 17 as the date. He said that the best case scenario for the league's 30th team to begin play would be ’21, when Austin FC also is slated to join MLS.