By Ben Nicholson
December29 – Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SSE) has announced that it will operate a United Soccer League (USL) franchise in 2016, after reaching agreements with Bexar County and the City of San Antonio. This is the provisional step for the ultimate end of obtaining an MLS franchise in San Antonio, Texas.
The City of San Antonio and Bexar County jointly purchased the 8,500-seat stadium Toyota Field, which previously housed North American Soccer League (NASL) club San Antonio Scorpions, for $18 million, splitting the cost down the middle.
San Antonio has effectively swapped an NASL team for a USL team – a second tier league team for a third tier league team, using public money to do so. The rationale is that the USL is the traditional passage for an MLS franchise.
SSE provided $3 million for 20 years’ worth of rights to lease and operate the facility. SSE will also operate a 13-pitch soccer complex adjacent to the Toyota Field. An extra $1 million is also preserved by SSE for stadium upgrades and another $1 million is preserved for the same purpose, split between both Bexar County and the City of San Antonio.
An additional $3 million was donated to Morgan’s Wonderland, a special needs theme park that was the recipient of all profits that the NASL club made.
The next step for the USL newcomers is to develop a name, club crest and team colour. Though the team’s character is yet to form, season tickets are already available for purchase.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently expressed the league’s intent to expand beyond the planned 24 teams by 2020, saying that it is a matter of when and not if the league will inflate.
SSE are banking on the MLS looking favourably upon their investment, for if they fail to secure a MLS team in the next 13 years they will be subject to a $5 million penalty. The clock has already started clicking, for in six years SSE will be punished $250,000 if the MLS expansion award has not arrived.
SSE already operate the successful basketball NBA team, San Antonio Spurs, as well as American Hockey League team, San Antonio Rampage, and Women’s NBA team, San Antonio Stars.
SEE President of Business Operations Rick Pych said: “This deal wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. We are very excited to continue the growth of soccer in San Antonio, and we plan to operate a USL franchise as part of a proven path to Major League Soccer. We look forward to bringing the highest level of soccer to San Antonio.”
Mayor Ivy Taylor stated, “The City and County’s purchase of Toyota Field is the first step toward bringing a Major League Soccer team to San Antonio. Spurs Sports & Entertainment is recognized as one of the best professional sports businesses and we are fortunate to have them as a partner in this effort. Today’s announcement marks significant progress toward achieving our shared goal.”
As for the vanquished San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL, owner Gordon Hartman stated: “We hope that there’s potential having them continue to play in the NASL. At this point, I don’t have more details on that. But that is something that we’re looking at right now.”
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