August 13 – Aston Villa owner Wes Edens has backed the expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS) with a potential 30th franchise in Las Vegas.
Milwaukee Bucks and Villa co-owner Edens is interested in ‘luring’ a MLS team to Las Vegas and the Allegiant Stadium, the $2 billion home venue for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, that on August 1 hosted the final of the Gold Cup between the US and Mexico in front of a capacity crowd.
Another group, backed by the Renaissance Companies construction business, is also looking to bring a team to Cashman Field, home of the city’s USL franchise, Las Vegas Lights.
Las Vegas has emerged as the new frontrunner for the 30th franchise after Sacramento dropped out. Last February, American billionaire Ron Burkle decided not to move forward with a proposed deal to be the lead investor of an expansion team in the city.
There are no details in terms of what the fee will amount to should Las Vegas receive the go-ahead with the annual MLS board of governors meeting scheduled for August 25. Charlotte and St. Louis will be joining the league in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Nevada has quickly become a prime sports market. The Golden Knights made their NHL debut in 2017, and the NFL Raiders moved there last year. Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai just purchased an National Lacross League expansion team in Las Vegas.
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