[Vancity]

Hey all,

If this is the wrong place to start a thread on Whitecaps MLS franchise pursuit, please relocate this thread into its proper place. I came across this article on the Whitecaps MLS' bid

here's the article:
http://www.theprovince.com/Sports/Whitecaps+competition+franchise+narrows/1186818/story.html

Atlanta just dropped it's bid. So it's down to St. Louis, Miami, Portland and Ottawa. Personally, I don't think Ottawa has much of a chance. I think it's between St. Louis, Miami, Portland, and Vancouver. Two spots, 4 teams.

I think Vancouver's going to get into the MLS. The other team? I'm predicting it's either Miami or Portland.

[hollywoodnorth]

ya I think its a sho in for Vancouver :)

[crazyjoeda]

What happened to Montreal?

[NetMapel]

My hope is for one team on the west coast (Vancouver) and one other on the east coast (Miami or Montreal, preferably Montreal but I'm not sure how they think about adding two Canadian teams in one year)

[Vancity]

What happened to Montreal?

Montreal dropped it's bid, because the expansion fee (40 million) was too expensive for the owner (his name escapes me at the moment).

[NetMapel]

Montreal dropped it's bid, because the expansion fee (40 million) was too expensive for the owner (his name escapes me at the moment).
Really ? YESSSS !!! Vancouver is in a good spot then.

[Vancity]

My hope is for one team on the west coast (Vancouver) and one other on the east coast (Miami or Montreal, preferably Montreal but I'm not sure how they think about adding two Canadian teams in one year)

If the MLS went this route (adding one western team, and one eastern team). I would think they would add Vancouver, and Miami. Montreal has dropped their bid for an MLS franchise, because the expansion fees were too much.

Ottawa is the only other Canadian city in the bidding (as far as we know). I'm not sure if they have much of a chance, because they don't have (in my understanding) much of soccer roots. They are pretty much starting from scratch, in terms of building a soccer community (if they have one, I'm not sure if it's very strong). Vancouver, I personally think is going to be granted a franchise (we will see very soon before the MLS 2009 season), and the other franchise, I think is either going to be Miami (they have the backing of FC Barcelona - that's huge!), or Portland (traditionally has strong soccer community). I would be very surprised if Vancouver was left out (what a tragic decision that would be for MLS).

[mr.x]

http://www.bcplacestadium.com/newsreleases/WC_Vision_2011.jpg

[Vancity]

http://www.bcplacestadium.com/newsreleases/WC_Vision_2011.jpg

It's unfortunate the waterfront stadium is collapsing. BC Place might be the new home of the MLS franchise Whitecaps. I would have loved to see a medium sized stadium (built by the money of Kerfoot, instead of tax payers) in the downtown core. too bad it's not going to happen. i say the whitecaps look at other locations of moving the stadium. it's downtown's lost.

[mr.x]

It's unfortunate the waterfront stadium is collapsing. BC Place might be the new home of the MLS franchise Whitecaps. I would have loved to see a medium sized stadium (built by the money of Kerfoot, instead of tax payers) in the downtown core. too bad it's not going to happen. i say the whitecaps look at other locations of moving the stadium. it's downtown's lost.

It has nothing to do with City red tape, it's the port authority refusing to give a land swap to Kerfoot for the land he needs to build the stadium.

[Distill3d]

if the Whitecaps play in BC Place, would that make it the largest stadium in the MLS?

[Spork]

It would certainly be one of the largest, but according to this article (http://www.lestwarog.com/bcplace/), capacity would be limited to about 22,000 with the "soccer draping". The top 5 largest MLS stadiums (source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soccer-specific_stadium)) would be:

1) LA - 27,000
2) NY - 25,189
3) Columbus - 22,685
4) BC Place - 22,000
5) Dallas - 21,193

[Rusty Gull]

Miami is a shoe-in. And I suspect Ottawa's bid is not ready for prime time - at least from the MLS perspective.

So we're looking at a three-way race betwen St. Louis, Portland and Vancouver.

St. Louis and Portland have the advantage of being in the U.S., and both have more corporate muscle. And both have natural rivals located nearby.

But due to the strength of the Vancouver bid (ownership, fan base, the potential to emulate Toronto FC's success, some potential rivalries with Seattle, Toronto) I agree with the above posters that the Whitecaps bid will indeed prevail.

I think we will, however, see Portland and St. Louis be rewarded for hanging around while other cities bailed -- with their being selected in the following league expansion.

[Vancity]

Miami is a shoe-in. And I suspect Ottawa's bid is not ready for prime time - at least from the MLS perspective.

So we're looking at a three-way race betwen St. Louis, Portland and Vancouver.

St. Louis and Portland have the advantage of being in the U.S., and both have more corporate muscle. And both have natural rivals located nearby.

But due to the strength of the Vancouver bid (ownership, fan base, the potential to emulate Toronto FC's success, some potential rivalries with Seattle, Toronto) I agree with the above posters that the Whitecaps bid will indeed prevail.

I think we will, however, see Portland and St. Louis be rewarded for hanging around while other cities bailed -- with their being selected in the following league expansion.

Miami has a lot going for them, because of who their backer is (FC Barcelona). Vancouver's done good for themselves, and I think they will get in. I don't know when the next league expansion will be (after this expansion, they should really look at just trying to stabilize their league), but St. Louis and Portland deserve a place in the league.

[krudmonk]

I'd like Vancouver and Portland to join in competing for the Heritage Cup.

[LotusLand]

Lenarduzzi and the boys have an inside as edge as they are cozy with the league higher ups. I'd be very shocked if they don't get in the MLS. However, then again I've seen funnier things happen.

As for the SSP Stadium I don't see it happening anytime soon. But wouldn't it be great to see some work for the construction workers who are about to feel the brunt of this downturn? The fact that its privately funded is what really makes this painful. Hopefully they can work something out with the ports soon.

[Overground]

Fans of the other expansion cities love to point out that Vancouver has a few things against it. The revenue from matches at BC Place because it's not owned by the Caps. Of course the bid Vancouver put in has never been divulged to the public so we don't know the specifics on that. There is also national tv revenue, which MLS wants.

Then they also like to point out that BC Place is not a SSS like St Louis or what Portland will have and it will share with a grid-iron team even though you can point out to them that it will in fact be a SSS with the second inner roof. They also blatantly do not do research on Portland's stadium, which will also share a grid-iron team just like Seattle currently does and the Miami bid will.

To me Vancouver's bid is the best. Everything is in place unlike St Louis, which nobody knows who the mystery investors are. Garber said a couple of days ago that money is St. Louis' "primary concern."

Portland who still needs the City to approve funds to refurbish PGE Park baseball stadium, which already received millions from the city a few years ago to update it. Now they need to ask for more public money to convert it to soccer and also build a brand new baseball stadium for the vacated baseball team. It does sound positive as of late though.

MLS has said the successful bids will be made public before March 19.

[Vancity]

Lenarduzzi and the boys have an inside as edge as they are cozy with the league higher ups. I'd be very shocked if they don't get in the MLS. However, then again I've seen funnier things happen.

As for the SSP Stadium I don't see it happening anytime soon. But wouldn't it be great to see some work for the construction workers who are about to feel the brunt of this downturn? The fact that its privately funded is what really makes this painful. Hopefully they can work something out with the ports soon.

I personally do not think the waterfront stadium will be built in downtown. Funnier things have happened, but realistically, I really don't think the ports will budge. I say, as a reasonable alternative - move the stadium somewhere else. If the ports don't want anything to do with this really great project, then just go somewhere else.

I think the Whitecaps stadium will eventually get built - sooner, rather than later (I think), because BC Place stadium doesn't belong to the Whitecaps, they'll have to pay some kind of fee for using it. I don't see this as a viable long term solution. Kerfoot, I think, will eventually move the stadium somewhere else. I'm not sure if he's willing to wait the situation out. Then again, the man is a billionare, so he can afford to pay rent, if he so chooses to decide to do so.

[Rusty Gull]

Whitecaps 'still in a battle' for 2011 MLS expansion franchise - The Vancouver Sun

January 16, 2009
It's a familiar scene for Bob Lenarduzzi. The Vancouver Whitecaps president has attended past Major League Soccer drafts, using the annual event as a way to recruit and scout players for his United Soccer Leagues First Division team.

But only two years removed from Vancouver possibly being one of the teams to make a selection in the four-round process, Lenarduzzi found himself Thursday trying not to think too much about what might be. The Whitecaps are among six teams looking for one of two expansion franchises for the 2011 MLS season.

"There's lots of people aware we've submitted a bid and that it's a pretty solid bid, so we're hearing lots of things from people in general," said Lenarduzzi, who is joined in St. Louis by Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson, among others.

"At this stage, it doesn't mean much because we haven't really had any clear indication from the league. So as far as we're concerned, we're still in a battle for those two spots."

Word is MLS is within weeks of announcing its next two expansion markets. The league promised when bids were submitted last October to make its decision in advance of its 2009 season, which kicks off March 18.

Adding intrigue to the expansion announcement is a rumour that the Philadelphia franchise may not be ready to begin play in 2010.

"I wish we could give you hard commitments today, but we're not even sure the stadium is going to be built," Nick Sakiewicz, CEO of the company which owns the yet-to-be-named MLS club, told the Delaware County Times earlier this month. "If the [financial] markets tank next month, then we won't build this thing. We'll be out $15 million and everyone goes home."

On Thursday, the Philadelphia franchise issued a press release offering fans the chance to name the team, but it said nothing of the stadium issue.

"There are some concerns, but it really comes down to the economy," said Lenarduzzi. "We're being told there's been a shovel in the ground and are moving forward as planned. When it comes to Philadelphia, the league is not even discussing contingency plans. They've been pretty adamant Philadelphia will be there."

And if it's not? Lenarduzzi chose not to speculate.

The prevailing thought, however, is one of the six franchises hoping for an expansion team for 2011 -- Vancouver, Ottawa, Portland, St. Louis, Atlanta and Miami -- would take Philadelphia's spot.

It's extremely unlikely Vancouver would be one of those teams as the Whitecaps cannot begin play out of a renovated BC Place until the 2011 season.

It's believed Miami would welcome the chance to join a year early. Miami's backers include Bolivian cellphone mogul Marcelo Claure, whose $5 billion US company is based in the Florida city.

iwalker@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

[Vancity]

:previous: Vancouver's chances are looking promising. let's just continue to hope that they get in :)

[Rusty Gull]

Philly still flying into MLS in 2010

BY GREG DOUGLAS, VANCOUVER SUN
JANUARY 17, 2009

SCENE & HEARD: Those six ownership groups that have submitted applications to become 2011 expansion franchises in Major League Soccer can forget about gaining an earlier entry date should the 2010 bid from Philadelphia fail.

"Everything is moving forward in Philadelphia," MLS senior vice-president Dan Courtemance said Friday afternoon. "In fact, the county just today voted to approve $30 million in financing for the stadium."

After Philadelphia had been approved as a 16th franchise, MLS commissioner Don Garber said two more teams would be added for 2011, the first of which would be announced "during the fourth quarter of 2008" and the second "in early 2009". Yet the waiting game continues for Vancouver, Ottawa, Miami, St. Louis and Portland.

Courtemanche now says the two successful bids will be made public before March 19. The delay stems from the fact Garber has visited every potential city with the exception of Ottawa. "That's his next stop," Courtemanche says, "and it will happen before the end of this month."

[Rusty Gull]

Hmmm... if we assume that Miami is a lock, that the bids in St. Louis and Atlanta are going sideways, and that Ottawa is too dark of a dark horse... this would pit Vancouver against Portland for the final expansion spot.

---

Money is holdup in bid from St. Louis
By Tom Timmermann
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Jan. 16 2009

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Thursday the main thing standing between St. Louis and an expansion franchise was money.

"We really want to be in St. Louis," Garber said prior to the league's draft at America's Center, "but in order to be here, we have to be sure that every
aspect of Jeff Cooper's bid is solid and one of the weaknesses it has today is that Jeff has not been able to secure the investor who has very deep pockets.

"And that's not just to satisfy the league's needs, that's to assure that the team will be successful in St. Louis, that it can make the right investments in the community, that it can make the right investments in player development, fan development, marketing, promotion, both on- and off-field staff. Lastly, should there be economic challenges for the league, we need to know that the group can have a couple of rocky years. Right now, we're not secure that his group can satisfy the objectives so the team will be successful. Now, other bids have other weaknesses."

St. Louis is one of six cities vying for two expansion franchises that Garber
said would be announced prior to the start of the MLS season on March 19 and would start play in 2011. The other cities are Miami, Portland, Atlanta, Ottawa and Vancouver. The Miami bid, which has the backing of Spanish club Barcelona, is considered a favorite for one of the spots.

"What we're doing," said Cooper, who met with Garber on Thursday morning, "is continuing to work, as we always have been. We've got a gigantic project which requires a big ownership group. Like we've been doing for the past nine months, we're trying to strengthen our group. I don't perceive it as being that big a hurdle. I think we are close."

During the MLS draft, Garber heard repeated pleas from the Eads Brigade, a
group of local soccer fans who are sort of a fan club in waiting for an MLS
team. During pauses in the first round, they waved signs and implored Garberfrom the rear of the ballroom at America's Center for a team, including a song sung to the tune of "Yellow Submarine," that included the refrain, "All we want is a team to call our own."

[raggedy13]

Well, more good news for Vancouver then. Our chances seem to be looking better all the time.

[NetMapel]

I can almost guarantee you that if money is problem for any of the candidate cities, they will be out. Any kind of money problem is bad news for business. I'm sure MLS would rather have Vancouver with a semi-problem with the stadium (Not SSS) than Portland which is said to have money problem... that's just my opinion, of course.

[Rusty Gull]

... true... at the end of the day, it's about the money.

In Vancouver's case, it has not only the franchise fee, but also the government funding for the stadium overhaul.

[Vancity]

Hmmm... if we assume that Miami is a lock, that the bids in St. Louis and Atlanta are going sideways, and that Ottawa is too dark of a dark horse... this would pit Vancouver against Portland for the final expansion spot.

Yep. I see Miami is a lock for one of the two spots for the expansion franchise(s) in 2011. Vancouver against Portland? I would take Vancouver over Portland. I'm assuming that the MLS would want to expand the game of soccer all across North America, not just the USA. Vancouver has deep roots in the game of soccer, and has passionate fans here. If Swangard was any larger of a stadium, we'd still sell out every game. Portland - I can't really comment on their bid, because I am unfamiliar with their soccer history/success. But if MLS came to Vancouver, that would be huge for our city.

If I'm a betting man, I'd bet Vancouver's in. How can the league ignore such a soccer-hot bed?

[Vancity]

... true... at the end of the day, it's about the money.

In Vancouver's case, it has not only the franchise fee, but also the government funding for the stadium overhaul.

All the more reason why it's looking better and better for Vancouver and the Whitecaps :)

[cornholio]

Like i have been saying for a while now Vancouver "won" the bid a long time ago. Vancouver is guaranteed a team and there is NO competition with other cities, and there never was. Not because of the city(though the city is obviously a good potential MLS location anyways) but because of the connections certain people in the city have with certain people running the MLS. Honestly though I could care less, the MLS will mean considerably higher ticket prices for a marginally better product(for now).

[Distill3d]

has anyone here been to a Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers match? its intense. I personally think that rivalry could translate into something massive for MLS

[jlousa]

If Swanguard were bigger I doubt the attendance would be much higher, fact is it doesn't sell out every game now. The place is just in a mediorce location, it's a long walk from Skytrain, there is limited bus service (19 and 49) and not enough parking for the current capacity. Thats why they want to move Downtown, and aren't looking at another suburban location.

Anyways Go Whitecaps Go.

[Vancity]

If Swanguard were bigger I doubt the attendance would be much higher, fact is it doesn't sell out every game now. The place is just in a mediorce location, it's a long walk from Skytrain, there is limited bus service (19 and 49) and not enough parking for the current capacity. Thats why they want to move Downtown, and aren't looking at another suburban location.

Anyways Go Whitecaps Go.

There are other places that have a decent transporation hub. Richmond (once the Canada Line gets going) wouldn't be a bad place to have a stadium, would it? Maybe I'm biased, 'cause that's where I live. The obvious choice is downtown Vancouver, but if that's not looking promising, then what to do? just not build the stadium for the whitecaps? I'm not sure how long Kerfoot is willing to wait on the Port, but don't you think he's considering other viable options, other than the downtown location?

[mr.x]

There are other places that have a decent transporation hub. Richmond (once the Canada Line gets going) wouldn't be a bad place to have a stadium, would it? Maybe I'm biased, 'cause that's where I live. The obvious choice is downtown Vancouver, but if that's not looking promising, then what to do? just not build the stadium for the whitecaps? I'm not sure how long Kerfoot is willing to wait on the Port, but don't you think he's considering other viable options, other than the downtown location?

Line up into a Canada Line station would be 3 kms long.:haha: kidding.

[djmk]

i have to admit that i am a little tentative about this MLS thing.

North America has seen these soccer leagues before (NASL) with star power (Pele) which has failed. and i do not know what kind of grassroot support this league has and whether they can support professional salaries into the future. i also do not know the financial situation of the other teams and even if the MLS will even exist in 10+ years

also, BC Place SUCKS for soccer (and i have watch soccer in it in 1983!) Attendance dropped when the whitecaps moved in.

i'm just saying that this is a risk. USL soccer is pretty much the same caliber as MLS with just more hype. I am worried the hype will die and take our whitcaps with it.

besides, swangaurd has serious potential. it just needs more seating, better seats and more parking!

[jlousa]

Downtown offers the advantage of having 60K+ people within walking distance, ample parking for thousands of cars, and the terminus of dozens of bus routes, 2-3 rapid transit lines, sea bus etc etc. It's pretty obvious that no other part of the metro can match that. They are hoping to quadruple their existing attedance, they are going to have to make it as easy as possible for people to make it to the games.
I don't beleive Kerfoot has any interest in building his stadium elsewhere, if the waterfront stadium doesn't happen I'm pretty sure they'll just contunue using BC Place.

[LeftCoaster]

Word is Kerfoot is also looking at other sites around downtown, although quite clearly the current site would be his preference Im sure he hasn't lumped all his eggs in one basket. If the current site fails I would not be surprised to see them play af BC Place for a few years, but I would be surprised if during those years new plans for a stadium were not in motion.

I think Kerfoot has said publically that he is only interested in having the stadium in/adgacent to downtown, so that would effectively rule out the other sites discussed. I know personally I would be far more inclined to go to a caps game if they were downtown than Richmond, despite any transit connections the suburban site may have.

Also Miami is not necessarily a lock. Sure they do have Barcelona backing them, but most people overlook that Miami was already once awarded an MLS franchise and it failed miserably and folded only a few years later. I still think they have a strong bid, but a history like that would certainly raise a red flag with the MLS brass.

[Rusty Gull]

There are other places that have a decent transporation hub. Richmond (once the Canada Line gets going) wouldn't be a bad place to have a stadium, would it? Maybe I'm biased, 'cause that's where I live. The obvious choice is downtown Vancouver, but if that's not looking promising, then what to do? just not build the stadium for the whitecaps? I'm not sure how long Kerfoot is willing to wait on the Port, but don't you think he's considering other viable options, other than the downtown location?

Is there space next to the speed skating oval -- along the Fraser? That could make for an interesting, transit-friendly location.

[Rusty Gull]

A Whitecaps Stadium would make a wonderful "stimulus spending" project, would it not. I'm sure PM Harper could twist the right arms at the port to make this happen... especially because it wouldn't cost the feds one red cent!

[djmk]

Is there space next to the speed skating oval -- along the Fraser? That could make for an interesting, transit-friendly location.

they are called vancouver whitecaps, not richmond whitecaps....:rolleyes:

but i guess, swangaurd is not in vancouver either...

[mr.x]

also, BC Place SUCKS for soccer (and i have watch soccer in it in 1983!) Attendance dropped when the whitecaps moved in.

Those were the 1980's....you seem to have disregarded the fact that BC Place is getting massive improvements that will change its image entirely.


besides, swangaurd has serious potential. it just needs more seating, better seats and more parking!

Swangard has little potential given its location.

[Vancity]

Word is Kerfoot is also looking at other sites around downtown, although quite clearly the current site would be his preference Im sure he hasn't lumped all his eggs in one basket. If the current site fails I would not be surprised to see them play af BC Place for a few years, but I would be surprised if during those years new plans for a stadium were not in motion.

I think Kerfoot has said publically that he is only interested in having the stadium in/adgacent to downtown, so that would effectively rule out the other sites discussed. I know personally I would be far more inclined to go to a caps game if they were downtown than Richmond, despite any transit connections the suburban site may have.

Also Miami is not necessarily a lock. Sure they do have Barcelona backing them, but most people overlook that Miami was already once awarded an MLS franchise and it failed miserably and folded only a few years later. I still think they have a strong bid, but a history like that would certainly raise a red flag with the MLS brass.

I wasn't aware that the MLS had granted Miami a previous franchise (Miami Fusion FC). I did some resesarch and found that their attendance was horrible. They started from about 10,284 (approx) in 1998, and then dropped to 8,869 in 1999, and then dropped even more in 2000 to 7,460. They folded in 2001, when the attendance was 11,177 (site ishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Fusion). The stadium they played in Lockhart Stadium, after a 5 million dollar renovation, held 20,450 fans. I can't imagine playing in a stadium where more than half of the stadium is empty.

That's pretty bad attendance. Another reason why the Miami Fusion FC folded after only four years of operation was because of a bad stadium deal. I cannot see Kerfoot and the Whitecaps renting out BC Place for more than just a few years, I would think that during their time there, they would be in the process of building their own building, so that they don't have to pay rental fees for using the stadium. Hopefully they do go and find another site to play (build a better stadium, if the port doesn't allow the 'Caps to build there) in, in downtown. I understand why Kerfoot and the 'Caps want to build downtown, it makes sense. Hope they just find a way to build.

I can only see Miami and its bid as something the MLS would consider simply because of who is backing them up (Barcelona). Could they ignore so much $$$ coming into their league? Personally, if Miami had failed before with a franchise, I would also be hesitant to grant them another go, but then again, has the market for soccer changed over the last 8 years (since 2001)? I hope that if Miami does get a franchise (one of the two spots for 2011), that they are not the NHL's version of the Florida Panthers (which for many years have not been doing so well - they are doing pretty good this year, however).

[Vancity]

Is there space next to the speed skating oval -- along the Fraser? That could make for an interesting, transit-friendly location.

I'm not sure that space in that area is transit friendly. I think the closest soon to be Canada Line station is Aberdeen. Can anyone confirm if this is true?

[jlousa]

It's much much much cheaper for them to rent BC Place then it is to build a new stadium. Stadiums are always huge money losers. If Kerfoor builds a stadium it will because he wants to or is obligated to but it won't be to save money on rent.

[Distill3d]

I'm not sure that space in that area is transit friendly. I think the closest soon to be Canada Line station is Aberdeen. Can anyone confirm if this is true?

Lansdowne

[crazyjoeda]

I'm not sure that space in that area is transit friendly. I think the closest soon to be Canada Line station is Aberdeen. Can anyone confirm if this is true?

The closest station is Lansdowne but its a bit of walk from the Olympic Oval (like 10-15min walking).

[Rusty Gull]

^Well, given the renders of the new-and-improved BC Place Stadium, I think the Whitecaps will have a terrific venue to play in.

[Rusty Gull]

From Soccer America Daily..

What ESPN's shift could mean
by Paul Kennedy, Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009 7:01 AM ET
[ANALYSIS] The news that the Thursday night time slot held for "MLS Primetime Thursday" on ESPN2 has been released is hardly the news MLS wanted to get out as the countdown to the 2009 season began in earnest.

In the Sports Business Report report, arguments were made that the decision to carry 27 games over four different days (Wednesday-Saturday) during the 2009 season provided opportunities to increase the ratings, but it could have major implications for MLS and its TV presence.

The basis for the decision, according to Scott Guglielmino, ESPN vice president of programming, is that MLS ratings failed to climb. Indeed, they fell more than 12 percent from 2007 to 2008 to an average of 253,000 viewers a game. (Sports Business Journal previously reported that the numbers dropped an almost equal amount on Spanish-language TeleFutura -- 11 percent to 254,000 a game.)

The signing of David Beckham by the Los Angeles Galaxy coincided with the introduction of destination programming, what was dubbed the "linchpin" of ESPN2's coverage of domestic soccer, part of an eight-year agreement between MLS and ESPN for a rights fee estimated at $8 million a year.

While Beckham's presence boosted the ratings -- his second MLS game for the Galaxy in 2007 drew a high of 658,000 viewers -- the demise of "MLS Primetime Thursday" may give Beckham and MLS less incentive to extend their marriage into 2010 and 2011.

MLS's ESPN2 ratings in the quarter million range are about what the Arena Football League got in 2008, and it has canceled its 2009 season. There's no chance that will happen to MLS, but ESPN's decision shows just how hard it remains for MLS to achieve a national presence on television -- even after expanding its membership by half since 2005.

MLS officials have for many years talked about developing its national footprint through expansion in major television markets, but if MLS doesn't have viewers in front of their televisions at home, it must at least have fans in seats.

The latest development is support for expansion into smaller markets such as Portland (25th largest market) and Vancouver (Canada) instead of South Florida (9th largest market and the only top 10 market MLS will not be in after Philadelphia begins play in 2010).

Such a move would reflect the growth of MLS as a West Coast league and the (relative) value of ESPN2 broadcasts in West Coast prime time -- and be supported by ESPN's efforts to provide better "lead-ins," the programming that immediately precedes the broadcast. (A few of the possible early lead-ins are of dubious value -- college bowling and men's college volleyball.)

The elephant in the room, of course, is the possibility that ESPN might seek U.S. television rights to the English Premier League currently held by Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta. For the first time last fall, FSC (with one third of the number of households as ESPN2) paid for Nielsen to compile ratings, and the early numbers for some EPL games were five times those for MLS games.

It's one thing for ESPN to air one-off events like the World Cup or European Championship or offer periodic coverage of the UEFA Champions League, but weekly coverage of a league generating significantly better ratings than MLS on the Deuce or another ESPN network would be a serious problem.

On a more positive note, MLS's numbers aren't significantly different from those of the NHL, the league above it in the pecking order of the American leagues, with an average viewership of 310,732 a game on Versus for its first 31 telecasts -- up 17 percent from last year.

Supporting a salary cap higher by a multiple of about 20, NHL teams are incurring losses as high as $25 million-$35 million.

The good news for MLS owners is that the current TV picture is hardly a case for large salary increases when they negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.

[Rusty Gull]

From OrlandoSentinel.com...

MLS: Atlanta Out! Orlando to USL. St Louis weak? Philly behind schedule...
Posted by Uncle Ed on Jan 16, 2009 10:49:59 AM

The list of potential MLS teams has been reduced today. Atlanta's bid according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was withdrawn by Arthur Blank Atlanta Falcons owner and the lead investor who pulled out of the running for an MLS team in 2011 due to the harsh economic times. Blank however, has not ruled out the possibility of biding for a space for 2013.

This withdrawal is the second after Montreal pulled out recently. Montreal was widely considered one of the favorites. If we add the recent reports of St Louis falling short of expectations, then thing would get interesting. But, if having the Draft in St Louis is any indication then we can't really count them out just yet as reported on the St Louis Dispatch. Unfortunately for Florida the recent news of an Orlando MLS team this week turned out to be a bust. Orlando will have a team, but in the USL (U.S. 2nd Division).

So whats the picture now? 5 teams remain St Louis, Miami, Portland, Ottawa and Vancouver.

It's difficult to predict which teams will finally be picked. If we go by which cities deserve to be in I'd say St Louis and Portland. But if we look at the best investors It would be Vancouver and Miami. I think Ottawa has future potential and their bid was thought to have been the best presentation by MLS officials. But, in the big picture they have a remote chance of making it.

My heart is with Miami, as a disgruntled Miami Fusion fan who saw MLS give up on us due to a weak investor. But aside from my being biased, I think Miami is in because they have the most to give then all the other candidates and because they are ready to start in 2010. With the possibility of Philadelphia not being ready on time, this is another plus for Miami. Philly could wait another year and the problem is solved.

Who else would go? Portland and St Louis need the stadium if not they would be in and though Vancouver is in the same situation they have the money and a potential cross border rivalry with Seattle that would make this move work.MLS in my opinion should announce Miami and Vancouver as 2011 candidates and St Louis and Portland for 2013.

[mr.x]

While I'd love to see the Whitecaps play in their own smaller downtown soccer-oriented stadium, I'd prefer that they stay in BC Place for the long haul. As a taxpayer, we are spending more than $300-million to keep that facility around for another 20-30 years. I want my money's worth by having more events under that roof.

[Vancity]

While I'd love to see the Whitecaps play in their own smaller downtown soccer-oriented stadium, I'd prefer that they stay in BC Place for the long haul. As a taxpayer, we are spending more than $300-million to keep that facility around for another 20-30 years. I want my money's worth by having more events under that roof.

I want my money's worth as well. But if Kerfoot is willing to dish out his own money to build a stadium for his club, and we as taxpayers don't have to get involved financially, I'd be in support of that.

Perhaps BC Place can get other events to come in (i.e. MLB pre-season games, etc) and use the facility? How many events are going to be held at BC Place for this year and next (2010)? I hear it's going to be more than 200 events, am I wrong?

[mr.x]

I want my money's worth as well. But if Kerfoot is willing to dish out his own money to build a stadium for his club, and we as taxpayers don't have to get involved financially, I'd be in support of that.

Perhaps BC Place can get other events to come in (i.e. MLB pre-season games, etc) and use the facility? How many events are going to be held at BC Place for this year and next (2010)? I hear it's going to be more than 200 events, am I wrong?

I'd be in support of it too, but I'd also be cautious. The rumoured $100-million naming rights deal over 20 years, assuming it hasn't been a casualty of the global economic climate, is dependent on the Whitecaps moving in for the long-haul.

As for BC Place events, the convention centre is bound to steal some of BC Place's business away.

I really wonder what the annual operating costs will be for the refurbished BC Place.


As for MLB, I don't think we're much of a MLB city...even for pre-season games.

[Vancity]

I'd be in support of it too, but I'd also be cautious. The rumoured $100-million naming rights deal over 20 years, assuming it hasn't been a casualty of the global economic climate, is dependent on the Whitecaps moving in for the long-haul.

As for BC Place events, the convention centre is bound to steal some of BC Place's business away.

I really wonder what the annual operating costs will be for the refurbished BC Place.


As for MLB, I don't think we're much of a MLB city...even for pre-season games.

What's this rumored $100 million naming rights deal that I haven't heard about, and why is it dependent upon the Whitecaps moving in for the long run?

As for MLB, we may not be much of a MLB city, but it might be an event that may attract fans, and tourists too (because of the season in which the league plays - Summer). It wouldn't be a long term solution (i.e. MLB season), but only a few games (4 games, 1 series?).

Wouldn't the annual operating costs for the newly refurbished BC Place be cheaper than the current one, because of the "marshmellow" roof, and the costs that is needed to clean, and 'pump' it up daily?

[jlousa]

BC Place is busy for 200 days a year right now, but not 200 events, most events acutally take longer to set up/tear down then the event lasts. The set up/tear down days are only billed at half cost.

I wouldn't worry about the new convention centre stealing any shows from BC Place, the stadium is a fraction of the cost to use and doesn't compete for the the same type of shows. Not to mention even the new covenention centre is consinderably smaller then the stadium and is unable to hold the large trade shows.

[djmk]

Those were the 1980's....you seem to have disregarded the fact that BC Place is getting massive improvements that will change its image entirely.




Swangard has little potential given its location.

These "massive" improvements can not disguise a hugely impersonal stadium with the worst acoustics ever. Granted, the BC Lions seemed to make it work in there, but they have a proven fan base. soccer and soccer culture needs something more intimate where fans can sing and chant and be shoulder to shoulder when absolutely nothing is going on. I would assume that the upper bowl would be closed for the whitecaps, leaving 20,000 seats below. if only 10,000 or 15,000 show up, BC place still feel horribly empty and the game will have no energy.

Swangard is a gorgeous venue. In the summer time, the trees in central park overlook the pitch and the mountains are clearly visible to the north. there is a cool breeze and the main bleachers face away from the sun, so you never have to squint. As well, behind the goals are amazing outdoor beer gardens and areas dedicated to harassing the opponents goalie. As well, the common area behind the stands are a hive of activity as people are swarming over vendors stands, trying to get food or listening to bands. Lenarduzzi is always present.

I'm afraid BC Place can not replicate any of that.

Granted the seats SUCK at Swangard. My ass and back hurt just thinking about it.

[Rusty Gull]

The Canadian Press

Stadium, CFL plans among obstacles to Ottawa's MLS expansion
18 hours ago
OTTAWA — With four other cities in the running to land a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, the biggest threat to Ottawa's bid may come from its own backyard.
MLS commissioner Don Garber and president Mark Abbott were in the nation's capital Tuesday and gave a glowing review to the city's bid for one of two spots available for the league's 2011 expansion plans.
However, it's the lack of approval for a soccer-specific stadium to be built in Ottawa that appears to stand in the way.
"That's really the biggest hurdle that needs to be overcome for us to be able to approve an expansion team here," Garber said during a news conference at Scotiabank Place, home of the Ottawa Senators.
It's the NHL club's owner, Eugene Melnyk, who is in talks with government officials to secure both the land and partial funding required to build a proposed $110-million stadium near the NHL team's Scotiabank Place home in the city's west end.
At the same time, a group led by Jeff Hunt, owner of the Ontario Hockey League's Ottawa 67's, has been granted a conditional Canadian Football League franchise and is also looking for the city's approval to redevelop Lansdowne Park in its downtown area.
It's been made clear to all parties involved that the city will give the go-ahead to either soccer, football or neither.
"The drawback is we don't yet have a definitive stadium resolution and that's the biggest drawback," Garber said after spending Monday and Tuesday in meetings with Melnyk's group and officials from all three levels of government.
"We have really great admiration for Eugene and his team. They came in to our board meeting at the end of November and really blew us away with their presentation. But we don't have a place to play."
Ottawa is the last of five cities vying for an expansion franchise to be visited by MLS representatives. Vancouver, Miami, St. Louis and Portland, Oregon, all have done so already and Garber expects to make an announcement by April.
Originally, seven cities submitted an official bid by the league's Oct. 15 deadline, but Montreal and Atlanta have since dropped out of the running.
With both the MLS needing an answer on Melnyk's proposal for a 20,000-seat stadium by March and the CFL group, whose conditional offer expires in the middle of that month, also waiting to find out whether it can go ahead with its redevelopment plans, it's up to the city to decide things.
Melnyk is confident that the soccer group will win out. It will cost them a $40-million U.S. franchise fee and, although he wouldn't disclose how much of his own money he'll be putting into the stadium, he did say it would be a "substantial" amount.
"All I can say is that the conversations (with the city) have been very, very positive," Melnyk said. "There's enthusiasm. They clearly understand the choices that have to be made and I think we agree, we walked away from all three meetings that we had."
With about 90,000 registered players in the region, Garber was impressed with Ottawa's grassroots community and its group's plans for a stadium development, which, among its inclusions, would also provide playing facilities for public use and an academy setup.
However, he said it wouldn't be fair to the other interested parties to award Ottawa a franchise conditional on it getting approval for a stadium down the road.
"Without that commitment on the facility, it's just not a procedure that makes sense for us, or any sports league for that matter," he said.
Should Ottawa fail this time around, Melnyk is still interested in future expansion.
"This is going to happen. It's just a matter of time," he said.
Ottawa is looking to become the 14-team league's second Canadian franchise and follow in the footsteps of Toronto FC, which began play in 2007 and plays to sold-out crowds at BMO Field.
Garber called TFC the "blueprint" for the model MLS team and said the league would like to continue to expand into Canada, but said U.S. television contracts and commercial opportunities would be taken into consideration, so it's possible that neither Vancouver or Ottawa could win a spot in this round of expansion.
Vancouver's bid group is backed by billionaire Greg Kerfoot and NBA player Steve Nash.
"We talked in the U.S. about it becoming a soccer nation. Well, we believe Canada is already a soccer nation," Garber said.
"It doesn't make sense to put odds on it, but we do want more teams in Canada. If it doesn't happen in the short term, it will happen in the long term, but that decision hasn't been made yet."

[djmk]

:previous:

i can not see how the two competing groups cannot partner up in one stadium. if the bc lions and whitecaps can do it, so can any ottawa team do it.


and in other news.... remember when i last said that the MLS is risky? well, beckham wants out

[Vancity]

:previous:

i can not see how the two competing groups cannot partner up in one stadium. if the bc lions and whitecaps can do it, so can any ottawa team do it.


and in other news.... remember when i last said that the MLS is risky? well, beckham wants out

Why does Beckham want out?

[jlousa]

He doesn't need to money that badly, he'd rather play on a real team in a real league for less money.
Personally I don't see a problem with this, for the price he's getting the Galaxy could sign a couple of better players. The question is who can they find that would play in the MLS.

[Vancity]

:previous: I see. Thanks for the explanation. It's too bad. Wasn't Beckham their marketing ploy for their league? What do they have now? I personally think the MLS needs Vancouver, more than Vancouver needs the MLS. We're a city with deep soccer roots. They need support, and I think that investing in Vancouver would be the wisest course of action. The money helps too, of course (i.e. Miami's backer - Barcelona), but didn't Miami have a previous MLS franchise, and didn't they fail pretty badly?

[Distill3d]

Beckham hasn't come straight out and said that he wants out of MLS. he's been very coy about playing for AC Milan at the moment, and stated that he has been enjoying his time there. he also seems to allude to the fact that he will honor the last 3 years of his contract with the LA Galaxy.

[Vancity]

:previous: that's good news for MLS.

[jlousa]

Good news for the Whitecaps, but bad news for MLS, it's amazing how quickly everyone is jumping off the bandwagon. Even Kerfoot must be rethinking the $40Million entry fee.

http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/Soccer+Miami+drops+expansion/1349796/story.html

Miami drops MLS expansion bid


By Ian Walker, Vancouver SunMarch 3, 2009 5:01 PM



Call it addition by subtraction.

Yet again, the Vancouver Whitecaps bid for a Major League Soccer franchise has been bolstered by a withdrawal from the expansion process. This time, it’s Miami that has pulled the plug, leaving just Vancouver, Ottawa, Portland and St. Louis in the hunt for two spots for the 2011 season.

Miami FC blamed the tanking economy for its decision, which does not come as a complete surprise. Reports surfaced last week that joint owners FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure were having second thoughts. Miami had been a frontrunner, and was hoping start up operations for next season if successful.

Previously, Montreal and Atlanta dropped out of the bid process.

An MLS official said the announcement on the two successful applicants is still expected before the start of the regular season on March 19.

iwalker@vancouversun.com

[mr.x]

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Vancouver and Portland win expansion race according to MLS source

Vancouver and Portland will be granted MLS franchises later this month, according to a highly placed MLS source.

The failure of Miami to secure the backing of Barcelona has effectively ended the expansion race. Ottawa remains at play for 2013 and will go into that bidding process as the likely frontrunner if it approves a soccer specific stadium in April.

Although the source says that “all bets are off” for 2013 as several of the bids that pulled out for ’11 will be back in the hunt.

St. Louis still lacks significant financial backing to be a legitimate factor in the 2011 bid. Quietly the St. Louis bid has been negotiating with MLS to allow a structured deal similar to what Montreal and Miami asked for. It has been suggested that St. Louis was only prepared to pay about $9 million US in expansion fees, with the rest of its money tied up in infrastructure improvements required for MLS.

To this point MLS has not budged on the $40 million asking price and does not seem likely to do so with St. Louis either.

"St. Louis is banking on the league looking for a natural rival for Kansas City and nostalgia for what the city once was," as second source said.

The decision to go to Portland and Vancouver was based on "stadium plan, political support and geographical factors," the MLS source said.

MLS is waiting for Portland to give final approval on its stadium plan to make the announcement. That's expected to come March 11. If Portland approves the stadium, the expansion announcement will likely take place March 17 or 18.




March 03, 2009
The new MLS expansion frontrunner: Vancouver

With the Miami MLS expansion bid officially in its grave, Major League Soccer needs a new favorite to emerge in the expansion race, and sources tell SBI that one expansion city has done just that.

Vancouver has become the new front-runner in the MLS expansion sweepstakes, moving ahead of remaining MLS expansion candidates Portland, St. Louis and Ottawa. According to multiple sources, MLS is on the verge of putting Vancouver's bid up for expansion approval and the Canadian city has become what one source called "a lock" for the 2011 expansion cycle.

MLS is expected announce its 2011 expansion entrants before the start of the 2009 season on March 19th and signs are pointing to Vancouver being one of those entrants.

Why Vancouver? Three major factors are in the bid's favor.

First, the Vancouver bid has the deepest and most financially strong stable of owners among the remaining expansion candidates. With Vancouver Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot, former Yahoo executive Jeff Mallett, Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Luczo and NBA star Steve Nash making up the group, the Vancouver bid boasts the prospective owners best equipped to deal with the current global financial crisis.

Secondly, a potential national TV contract for MLS in Canada also adds to Vancouver's candidacy. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the parent company of Toronto FC, recently purchased GolTV Canada and is in position to benefit the most from one or two Canadian cities (Ottawa being the other) entering MLS, which would help a national Candian MLS television contract move closer to reality.

Thirdly, Vancouver has the double benefit of being a national rival to Toronto FC, while also being a geographic rival with 2009 MLS expansion club Seattle Sounders FC.

Vancouver has not been approved yet, but the Canadian city is now in the lead and looks to have fewer obstacles in its way than any of the remaining bids.

What do you think of this development? Surprised to see Vancouver move to the forefront? Still holding out hope that Portland and St. Louis will get it together and make the cut? Wondering if MLS will reconsider bringing Montreal back into the mix? Starting to think that MLS just might not expand at all in 2011?

Share your thoughts on Vancouver's MLS expansion chances, and the MLS expansion race in general, in the comments section below.

http://news.google.ca/news?q=whitecaps&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wn

[Vancity]

Nice. Very nice. Vancouver's pretty much IN ^^

Can't wait for all the hype to begin, now only if we can get a stadium for the Whitecaps to be approved and BUILT - somewhere.

[mr.x]

^ with the BC Place Stadium renovations, i don't see it happening for decades....and decades.

[excel]

great news!

[djmk]

i know everybody is excited, but i'm a little worried.

the MLS is still a relatively new league and with everybody jumping ship, makes me wonder if there really is grassroot support for soccer in the US. i would hate the MLS to go the same way as NASL.

Furthermore, who knows the financial health of the present teams in this new economy. i would imagine sponsors leaving and tickets not being sold....

gawd, i hope i'm wrong

[Overground]

mr.x2, I can't find the original link to that first news story(Vancouver and Portland win expansion race according to MLS source). Was it from a credible source 'cause I'm not finding any other concrete news on this?


edit. no worries...the news was from Ives Galarcep(Soccer By Ives) the ESPN writer. His sources are pretty legit apparently. So hopefully in a couple of weeks we'll know for sure. I'm still not counting my chickens yet!

[Locked In]

Not MLS news, but it involves the 'Caps and is something soccer-related to look forward to in Vancouver:


Steve Nash to bring world's best athletes to Vancouver for charity soccer game

By Ian Walker, Vancouver Sun - March 4, 2009 8:01 PM

One of the most entertaining moments of a Steve Nash’s charity basketball game was during the intermission when the NBA star took to centre court and displayed his deftness with a soccer ball. The two-time NBA MVP dribbled the ball off his head, knees, feet and toes, wooing fans and teammates alike with his sublime control.

It seems it was only a tease of what’s to come. The Phoenix Suns guard will be hosting a charity soccer game in downtown Vancouver on Sept. 19 to raise awareness and funds for the Steve Nash Foundation. Joining Nash on the outdoor pitch will be fellow NBA stars along with some of soccer’s best players and other celebrities. While no official announcement has been made, Nash revealed his intention earlier this week.

"We're trying to bring the world's best athletes to the street, a really grassroots level, where the fans can reach out and touch them," Nash told Canadian Press.

The event will be free to the public with Chinatown and David Lam Park possible sites. In New York last year, people climbed trees, fences and streetlights and broke into multilingual chants as they watched some of the world’s biggest sports stars compete for bragging rights. Participants included the NBA’s Baron Davis and FC Barcelona striker and World Cup winner Thierry Henry.

This year, Nash will hold events in Los Angeles and New York as well as Vancouver, according to his foundation’s website.

The Vancouver Whitecaps — of whom Nash is a co-owner — are expected to be involved, but to what capacity is still unclear.

“It’s a great event for the city, soccer and everyone involved,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi.

Nash formed his foundation in 2001 to assist underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Past events in Vancouver include his charity classic basketball games in 2006 and '07, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

iwalker@vancouversun.com

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun



Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Steve+Nash+bring+world+best+athletes+Vancouver+charity+soccer+game/1354243/story.html)

[nova9]

From the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090307.BCSOCCER07/TPStory/National

Vancouver Whitecaps owner likely to be awarded MLS franchise expansion
MATTHEW SEKERES

March 7, 2009

VANCOUVER -- Barring a last-minute snag, the owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club will be awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise by the end of this month.

Two sources requesting anonymity said this week that Greg Kerfoot, the reclusive Vancouver businessman and owner of the Whitecaps, was negotiating the final details of an agreement with MLS commissioner Don Garber.

The new MLS team would replace the existing Whitecaps club, which competes in the less prestigious United Soccer League's First Division. The new team would take the name Whitecaps and begin play in 2011.Yesterday, Dan Courtemanche, MLS vice-president of communications and marketing, said the league hopes to announce its two successful applicants by March 31. He added that an announcement could still come before the MLS season begins on March 19.

But Mr. Courtemanche also said MLS could announce just one new team by the end of the month, and introduce a second team in April. He said the league would take additional time if needed, but expected the process would be complete by next month at the latest.

That MLS is considering separate announcements further suggests that Vancouver will receive a franchise. The Whitecaps are the only remaining bidder with confirmed financial backing and a resolved stadium plan. The new team would play in a renovated B.C. Place Stadium, which will be fitted with a retractable roof.It is believed that negotiations between Vancouver's group, which includes NBA superstar Steve Nash and former Yahoo! Inc. president Jeff Mallett, and MLS revolve around the $40-million (U.S.) franchise fee. Many sports business experts considered that a steep price tag when expansion applications were submitted in October, and the economy has only worsened since.

A source said that, despite losing three bidders since the expansion process began, MLS considers the franchise fee non-negotiable. But the source added that MLS is well aware of the financial times and would be willing to discuss a method in which successful bidders could pay the fee over a longer period.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment paid just $10-million for Toronto FC, which joined the league in 2007 and instantly turned a $2.1-million profit.

A new team in Seattle begins play this month, and Philadelphia will be home to the league's 18th franchise in 2010. Both owners paid $30-million for their teams.

Mr. Kerfoot, who is intensely private and does not grant interviews, is a soccer philanthropist who has spent millions operating the Whitecaps and financing the Canadian women's national team. When reached by e-mail earlier this week, Mr. Mallett refused to comment, saying the group was in a "quiet period."

The Whitecaps are on a two-week exhibition tour in Tanzania, but team officials have stayed behind as MLS negotiations intensify.

"We aren't in a position to comment," Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi said. "We still feel there is a lot to be discussed."

Because of the withdrawals, MLS's expansion process has effectively become a game of reasonable deduction. MLS received seven bids for new teams on Oct. 15, but Montreal, Atlanta and Miami have since pulled out. That left Vancouver, Ottawa, Portland, Ore., and St. Louis.

Yesterday, The Oregonian reported that discussions for two sports stadium projects between Portland officials and a local investor broke down on Thursday. Merritt Paulson, who is bidding for an MLS team, is asking the city to renovate an existing facility for soccer purposes, and build a new Triple-A baseball stadium.

Eugene Melnyk, owner of the NHL's Senators, is backing Ottawa's bid, but city council won't choose between competing stadium proposals until the end of next month.

[EastVanMark]

People seem to really be going out on a limb here.:haha: The only bids that were even CLOSE to Vancouver's have all bowed out for various reasons leaving them head and shoulders above the rest. All of the remaining hopeful cities have one or more issues with their bids. This turtle race is Vancouver's to lose, and if Portland can get their stadium issue solved, then they are a lock too.

[djmk]

if the MLS is picking two teams, who is left.

Ottawa - no stadium (so far)
St Louis - no money
Portland - no stadium (so far)

me thinks, kerfoot is the only team left and the MLS has some egg on its face.

even, if ottawa gets its stadium, i doubt the MLS will pick two canadian teams during this round of expansion. my bet will be st louis.

[Rusty Gull]

A soccer guru from Fox Sports was interviewed on CKNW's soccer show last night, and according to him, it's a done deal that the MLS will announce the expansion into Vancouver and... Portland.

I must admit his enthusiasm was catchy as he discussed the new rivalries for the MLS involving Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and Toronto.

[isaidso]

even, if ottawa gets its stadium, i doubt the MLS will pick two canadian teams during this round of expansion. my bet will be st louis.

You're probably right. MLS is a US league who's focus is the US. Canada is an after thought. They have very little interest in building pro soccer right across Canada. They'd rather cherry pick a few cities and leave the rest of the country sitting on the sidelines just like they do in the other US leagues: MLB and the NHL.

[crazyjoeda]

^ with the BC Place Stadium renovations, i don't see it happening for decades....and decades.

I would not mind if WhiteCaps stadium never gets built. Although it would be really cool to have a waterfront stadium.
The renovations to BC Place are expensive and it will look awesome. Better that BC Place get the maximum amount of use than have two stadiums being used under capacity.

[djmk]

it just got more interesting


Anheuser-Busch joins St. Louis effort to secure MLS franchise


Anheuser-Busch added clout to a St. Louis group seeking an MLS franchise Wednesday, offering its soccer facility as a possible site for a future stadium.

Jeff Cooper, the majority investor of St. Louis Soccer United, said adding Anheuser-Busch to the effort should get Major League Soccer's attention.

"It's huge. It's a turning point," Cooper said. "This commitment brings a lot of credibility to our bid, and shows the league how serious we are."

Anheuser-Busch's influence also figures to strengthen the St. Louis bid from a financial standpoint. League commissioner Don Garber said in January that the city's chances hinged on beefing up its investor base.

The group has centered its efforts on an 18,500-seat stadium yet to be built in nearby Collinsville, Ill. Plans for that facility have called for 12 synthetic turf fields and a professional grass training field, with groundbreaking to take place if the city is awarded a franchise.

Anheuser-Busch entered a letter of intent to transfer ownership of the Anheuser-Busch Center in St. Louis County, commonly referred to as Soccer Park, to the group. That stadium seats about 6,000 now, well short of MLS's minimum of about 15,000, but Cooper said capacity could approach 10,000 by adding bleachers along the goal lines.

Cooper referred to the site as one option.

"This is the best situation we could have hoped for," Cooper said. "Whether it throws us over the top, that's up to the MLS."

St. Louis is among four cities vying for two expansion franchises that would begin play in 2011 or 2012, along with Ottawa, Portland and Vancouver. St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols, the NL MVP last year, is among the investors.

The group also owns the St. Louis Athletica team that will begin play this year in the new Women's Professional Soccer League. That team will play the bulk of its matches in its first season at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.



http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iuUxCHDzBEraVVmmoSqaOBD0th6g

[raggedy13]

I think this may have come a little too late for St. Louis. Considering that the teams are supposed to be announced this month, the winning cities have no doubt already been decided upon well in advance, and if recent rumours are true then St. Louis is not going to be one of them.

[Vancity]

an interesting tibit from the Vancouversun (http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/taking+hits+from+Beckham+economy/1379128/story.html)

MONTREAL — The David Beckham era in Major League Soccer is officially over.

Yes, the over-hyped superstar will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, but what sort of reaction can you expect from fans in L.A. and around the league to a player who will play only half a season in a league he has already dissed as second-rate?

When the Galaxy signed Beckham two years ago, my fear was that MLS was headed down the same path that led to the demise of the North American Soccer League. The NASL was stocked with overpriced and over-the-hill superstars like Pele, Eusebio and Franz Beckenbauer. Their salaries eventually bankrupted the league and their presence slowed the development of local talent.

The problem with Beckham turned out to be that he wasn’t over the hill. His stock in England had gone down because of injuries and a questionable attitude, but he has rehabilitated himself in both areas and expects to be part of the English side for the 2010 World Cup.

To prepare for that event, Beckham said he has to play at the highest level and made it very clear that MLS doesn’t fall in that category, and that’s why he’s finishing the season with AC Milan. Nobody who knows soccer would disagree with Beckham’s evaluation of MLS. In fact, you can make an argument that MLS isn’t significantly better than the United Soccer Leagues First Division, the supposedly inferior league that includes the Montreal Impact.

But Beckham is being paid an extraordinary amount of money to provide MLS with some credibility, and the Galaxy and its partners can’t be happy with Beckham telling it like it is.

Beckham’s comments aren’t the only hit MLS has taken recently. The league is in the process of expanding, and it missed the chance to add a strong partner in Montreal when it refused to compromise on its exorbitant $40 million US franchise fee.

But the Saputo family, who own the Impact, aren’t the only people who balked at the fee. The principals behind FC Barcelona know a little something about the value of soccer franchises, and they withdrew their support of Miami’s MLS expansion bid because they thought the price was too high. An Atlanta group came to the same conclusion.

There are still four cities willing to put up the cash, especially since MLS appears ready to make a concession to the current tough economic times. The price is still $40 million, but there’s the possibility of paying on the instalment plan. The cities include Vancouver, which has an excellent chance of getting one of the two available franchises, and Ottawa, which seems to offer a recipe for disaster.

Vancouver has a history of successful soccer franchises. Ottawa doesn’t. Vancouver has a stadium. Ottawa doesn’t, although Eugene Melnyk — everyone’s favourite Ukranian-Barbadian — is pushing hard for a new facility near Scotiabank Place. Melnyk has said there will be no taxpayers’ money involved, but he might have meant there will be none of his taxpayer’s money because he has set up a tax shelter for himself in Barbados.

[djmk]

apparently, beckham has the rights to buy a MLS franchise and has said he will definitely after he stops playing.

personally, i think the MLS would be more fun to watch with posh playing instead

[Distill3d]

Yes, the over-hyped superstar will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, but what sort of reaction can you expect from fans in L.A. and around the league to a player who will play only half a season in a league he has already dissed as second-rate?

sadly, compared to the Euro Leagues, the MLS is second-rate. its like the WHA compared to the NHL. its got all the excitement, and it IS soccer, but its not the bext of the best. and players can still make more money playing for Bayern Munich than they can playing for Houston Dynamo.

i actually agree with Beckham's reasoning for finishing the season with AC Milan. the scouts for the English national team are likely to over look Beckham if he plays like shit over here, but if he plays more mediocre at AC Milan, he'll get his spot on the World Cup team.

[cornholio]

I have said this a few times on here over the years, Vancouver was never competing for a bid, they were guaranteed it all along.
Remember its all about who you know and connections in the world of business.

Anyways im pretty sure I had more information about the situation than 99.99% of the people out there...

Too bad ticket prices will go up for a marginally upgraded product, but the Vancouver franchise will be successful, thats a guarantee..

[cornholio]

sadly, compared to the Euro Leagues, the MLS is second-rate. its like the WHA compared to the NHL. its got all the excitement, and it IS soccer, but its not the bext of the best. and players can still make more money playing for Bayern Munich than they can playing for Houston Dynamo.

i actually agree with Beckham's reasoning for finishing the season with AC Milan. the scouts for the English national team are likely to over look Beckham if he plays like shit over here, but if he plays more mediocre at AC Milan, he'll get his spot on the World Cup team.

And if he cant even make the English team then the whole 250 million dollar marketing scheme by MLS turns to shit because they will no longer even have one of the "better" players in the world.


MLS is kind of in a tough position with this but in the end their probably better of with him leaving for half a season and making the english team then staying ad not making the english team.

[Innersoul1]

:notacrook: an interesting tibit from the Vancouversun (http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/taking+hits+from+Beckham+economy/1379128/story.html)

MONTREAL — The David Beckham era in Major League Soccer is officially over.

Yes, the over-hyped superstar will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, but what sort of reaction can you expect from fans in L.A. and around the league to a player who will play only half a season in a league he has already dissed as second-rate?

When the Galaxy signed Beckham two years ago, my fear was that MLS was headed down the same path that led to the demise of the North American Soccer League. The NASL was stocked with overpriced and over-the-hill superstars like Pele, Eusebio and Franz Beckenbauer. Their salaries eventually bankrupted the league and their presence slowed the development of local talent.

The problem with Beckham turned out to be that he wasn’t over the hill. His stock in England had gone down because of injuries and a questionable attitude, but he has rehabilitated himself in both areas and expects to be part of the English side for the 2010 World Cup.

To prepare for that event, Beckham said he has to play at the highest level and made it very clear that MLS doesn’t fall in that category, and that’s why he’s finishing the season with AC Milan. Nobody who knows soccer would disagree with Beckham’s evaluation of MLS. In fact, you can make an argument that MLS isn’t significantly better than the United Soccer Leagues First Division, the supposedly inferior league that includes the Montreal Impact.

But Beckham is being paid an extraordinary amount of money to provide MLS with some credibility, and the Galaxy and its partners can’t be happy with Beckham telling it like it is.

Beckham’s comments aren’t the only hit MLS has taken recently. The league is in the process of expanding, and it missed the chance to add a strong partner in Montreal when it refused to compromise on its exorbitant $40 million US franchise fee.

.

This is a complete BS article...I don't think that Beckham's decision is a slight against the MLS. This has more to do with scheduling than quality of play. I will be the first to admit that the MLS is nowhere near the quality of other domestic leagues...but it is moving in the right direction.

Let's face it, Becks came to the MLS after Steve McClaren, the former England skipper, made it clear that Beckham would no longer be part of England National team. I think that Beckham, had aspirations of continuing to play on the national team but with McClaren's statement he came to the Galaxy with a clear conscience.

However, when McClaren was let go as boss and replace by Fabio Capello who was willing to give Beckham a shot things changed. Capello stated that Beckham could play as long as he was actively playing a professional level. Unfortunately, with the MLS schedule, that being off season during the winter, when European clubs are still playing, it made it very challenging for Beckham to stay match fit. This is what lead him to train with teams like Arsenal, and now have a temporary contract with AC Milan.

Clearly, Beckham wants to play for his national team and the only means of doing so is to be playing in a domestic league that plays through the winter. He doesn't have this option in the MLS. This is compounded by the fact tha tthe Galaxy are on the West Cost making the travel to Europe even more challenging when Becks would need to train and play with the national squad. You see, Euro leagues all take into account the national team schedules with set breaks and such. The MLS doesn't and this is a BIG problem.

If Beckham wants to play for England then the best place for him to be playing is in Europe. I think this has more to do with the logistics and timing than the MLS itself.

[Hourglass]

:previous:

Yes, he's already stated that he would like to own an MLS club once he's retired. Would he want to do that if it's just a bush league?

Anyway, I'm sure there will be some fans who give him a hard because of this decision. But the big thing for him is about playing for England. Fact of the matter is that for an "overhyped superstar", he's still made a good impression at AC Milan and is still good enough to play for his country.

[jlousa]

Don Garber will be in Vancouver Tuesday to award Major League Soccer franchises to Vancouver and Portland!


http://www.team1040.ca/news/story/?id=1831

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=271087&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_main


Note the above message is not mine, it was taken from a deleted thread created by a deleted user. ;)

[Locked In]

Prospect of MLS franchise coming to Vancouver looking good

By Ian Walker, Vancouver Sun - March 13, 2009 11:01 PM


The Vancouver Whitecaps could be awarded a Major League Soccer franchise by as early as mid-week.

Discussions between the defending United Soccer Leagues First Division champions and North America's premier soccer loop continue to progress, and barring a setback over the next few days, an official announcement could come as early as Wednesday.

Vancouver has long been rumoured to be granted one of two expansion teams for the 2011 season.

The Whitecaps' bid is the strongest of the four remaining candidates — which includes Ottawa, Portland and St. Louis — and recently jumped to the top of the list of potential suitors with Miami's decision to withdraw from the running earlier this month. Atlanta and Montreal also dropped out of the bid process.

While Local radio reports on Friday indicated a deal between the Whitecaps and MLS was in place, club president Bob Lenarduzzi said that just isn't the case.

"They're premature," said Lenarduzzi. "We're still talking. It's not done. We're hopeful, but as of right now it's not done."
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun



Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/Prospect+franchise+coming+Vancouver+looking+good/1387908/story.html)

[raggedy13]

Great (though expected) news! :tup: :cheers:

Can't wait to hit up one of their games in the newly renovated BC Place in 2011.

[agrant]

Great (though expected) news! :tup: :cheers:

Can't wait to hit up one of their games in the newly renovated BC Place in 2011.It sounds great, but I really hope they continue to persue a soccer specific stadium with real grass.

[LeftCoaster]

I'm sure the MLS will push them to do so.

[Vancity]

I think if BC Place is highly renovated, there won't be a need to pursue the a soccer specific stadium for a long time. as much as i'd love to see vancouver get the ss stadium, it's not going to happen at the location that it's being suggested (downtown waterfront). i can't see it coming to reality at this point, and there won't be much political pressure to get it done. i can't see them building it out in surrey (and i wouldn't go that far to see a game) - maybe they'd be willing to revisit the possibility of building it in Burnaby? other than Burnaby, I can't see them building anywhere else (other than Vancouver, of course).

[Kodii]

Kind of old and expected news, but good to hear anyways

Vancouver Whitecaps to announce they will join MLS in 2011

By Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver Sun March 17, 2009 1:04 PM

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps are expected to hold a news conference Wednesday when they will announce they have won a bid to begin play in Major League Soccer in 2011.

The Vancouver bid group — including owner Greg Kerfoot, NBA star Steve Nash, former Yahoo! Inc. president Jeff Mallett and former Seagate Technology CEO Steve Luczo — is one of four groups bidding for two MLS expansion franchises.

Seven groups entered the bidding process last year but bids from Montreal, Atlanta and Miami were withdrawn because of economic issues and problems with the $40-million-US franchise fee demanded by the league.

Vancouver, Portland, St. Louis and Ottawa remain in the running for the two new MLS franchises.

The Whitecaps currently play at Swangard Stadium in the United Soccer Leagues and are defending USL champions.

If they secure an MLS franchise, they will begin play in a renovated BC Place Stadium in the spring of 2011. Stadium operator PavCo recently secured $365 million in provincial funding for stadium renovations and a new retractable roof.

The Whitecaps would play in the stadium's lower bowl, which can accommodate about 20,000 fans.

Vancouver hopes to emulate the MLS success of Toronto FC, which entered the league in 2007 and enjoys a season-ticket base of 16,000 and a waiting list of 14,000. Toronto has sold out every game at BMO Field, which can hold slightly more than 20,000 fans.

The expansion Seattle Sounders begin play in their inaugural MLS season on Thursday at Qwest Field in Seattle, where they will also play in that stadium's lower bowl, which can accommodate nearly 28,000 fans. The Sounders sold about 22,000 season tickets for their first MLS season.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Source: The Vancouver Sun -- http://www.vancouversun.com/Whitecaps+expected+announce+they+will+join+2011/1398865/story.html

[djmk]

from team1040

Mar. 17, 2009

The addition of Major League Soccer expansion franchises in Vancouver and Portland in 2011 will help create a new – and necessary -- developmental model for the fledgling North American professional circuit, according to TEAM 1040 sport business commentator Tom Mayenknecht.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be announced as the 17th team in MLS in the next 24 hours and confirmed in a media conference to be held Wednesday in downtown Vancouver. Portland, which is awaiting confirmation of a stadium financing plan approved last week by commissioners in the Oregonian city, is expected to be added as the 18th franchise within the next month.
The 15th franchise, Seattle Sounders FC, opens its inaugural MLS season Thursday when the New York Red Bulls visit Qwest Field in Seattle. Philadelphia is scheduled to bring the league to 16 teams in 2010.

“The addition of Vancouver as the 17th team and Portland as the 18th team will set the stage for a series of new business development strategies for MLS and carry the potential to transform the league and the way it does business,” said Mayenknecht, host of The Sport Market on TEAM 1040 Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. “None will be more important in my view than adopting a new player development model for clubs in the league.”

Although it won’t happen overnight, Mayenknecht said new franchises such as Vancouver, Portland and Seattle – all of them with history and tradition in the United Soccer Leagues – will through time change the business culture of MLS.

“With Seattle in this year and Vancouver and likely Portland coming in 2011, MLS has a tremendous opportunity to revisit its player development model, promote rivalries within regional blocs and diversify its franchise blueprint for the future,” said Mayenknecht, a Vancouver-based business development and marketing communications strategist with Emblematica Brand Builders. “Those are three of the new directions the league could adopt to become more viable for the long term.”

In terms of player development, MLS has to date maintained a heavily-centralized, top-heavy model in which player contracts are the property of the league. The USL has managed a decentralized model in which player contracts are owned by each franchise and is known for its Super Y League program of youth development.

“There are merits to both approaches but in my view, the only way MLS will ensure sustainability is by vertically integrating its business development and player development models deep into the markets and regions within which they’re playing,” said Mayenknecht. “A more European type model in which the professional clubs serve as the apex of regional youth and player development strategies would pay dividends for MLS, on and off the field, and set the stage for stronger relationships with the larger soccer community in North America.”

Mayenknecht noted the Whitecaps, Sounders and USL Timbers have all adopted those kinds of strategies over the years: “It would be second nature for these new franchises to bring this kind of thinking to MLS and I believe it would be in the league’s best interests to follow that path for the long-term. It makes business sense at so many levels.”

The Sport Market host also pointed to the value of the regional bloc that will be formed by Seattle, Vancouver and Portland in the Pacific Northwest.

“There are natural synergies within the Pacific Northwest to create a regional bloc built on team rivalries, fan club rivalries and youth development competition, not to mention regional television and marketing,” noted Mayenknecht. “What can be and will be done here in the Pacific Northwest should serve to bolster this kind of regional marketing for MLS as it consolidates its current franchises and plans for future expansion.”

Future opportunities, according to Mayenknecht, include bringing Montreal and Ottawa into MLS to create a regional bloc with Toronto FC, the MLS success story that regularly sells out home games at BMO Field and is this week preparing to enter its third season in the league. Montreal was an early favourite for MLS in 2011 but had its bid withdrawn in November for failing to adhere to the expansion fee of $40 M USD. Ottawa is also bidding to join MLS but does not have a stadium plan in place. St. Louis is still technically in contention but is without sufficient ownership capital.

Atlanta and Miami, the two other cities among the original seven candidate cities announced in October, withdrew their bids earlier this year.

(If Portland’s stadium plan collapses in the coming weeks, Mayenknecht believes Ottawa would sneak up the middle and claim the 18th franchise if stadium issues in the nation’s capital were resolved in time.)

“I believe MLS would be smart to use this round of expansion to move to a divisional alignment within each conference to help develop regional rivalries within regional blocs such as New York-Boston-Philadelphia,” said Mayenknecht. “It would be good for the fans, good for the media, good for broadcasters and, ultimately, good for each of the franchises in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandising.”

Another new direction – already hinted at by Garber in recent statements surrounding the sale of a league-leading 22,000 season tickets by the Seattle Sounders FC – is for MLS to diversify its so-called model franchise blueprint.

“Toronto FC was always hailed as the blueprint franchise on the strength of its soccer-specific stadium model and it’s a good one,” said Mayenknecht. “But it’s not the only one and by adapting larger stadiums to replicate the intimacy of smaller stadiums, MLS simply gives itself a more viable and flexible business plan moving forward. Seattle now and Vancouver in 2011 will demonstrate the way to stage MLS in larger stadiums. Applying those hybrid models to existing MLS markets would boost lagging ticket sales in those markets and take the league another step closer to long-term viability.”

The top-drawing teams in MLS play in smaller, soccer-specific stadiums while some of the poorest attendance figures occur in markets using large NFL-style or college football stadiums. Both Seattle and Vancouver have plans in place to concentrate ticket sales in the lower bowls of their respective stadiums. Whitecaps FC will play in the renovated BC Place stadium, which will be fitted with a retractable roof by 2011.

Mayenknecht also believes the addition of Vancouver will create new, expanded television opportunities for MLS in Canada – with CBC and possible additional partners – which in turn could leverage better television agreements and coverage in the United States.

http://www.team1040.ca/news/story/?id=1847

[Vancity]

YESSSS! We're in! Can't wait for the announcement tomorrow, and then for 2011 to come around! GO WHITECAPS GOOO!!

[djmk]

i just listened to lenarduzzi at TEAM1040 and he said that BC place will be a soccer specific stadium (SSS) and they are still working for a waterfront stadium!

[hollywoodnorth]

Go Lenarduzzi Go!
Go Whitecaps FC Go!

[agrant]

i just listened to lenarduzzi at TEAM1040 and he said that BC place will be a soccer specific stadium (SSS) and they are still working for a waterfront stadium!Ummm... no. Lenarduzzi was probably referring to the unbuilt soccer stadium. The Lions will continue to play at BC Place. So BC Place remains multi-purpose.

[Overground]

Whitecaps have finally put on their website about the news conference tomorrow morning.

So this would be the first 'official' confirmation we've had so far. I haven't trusted the media for months now, especially with the let down places like Montreal and Miami have had.


watch live in the morning - http://www.whitecapsfc.com/announcement/

[Vancity]

Ummm... no. Lenarduzzi was probably referring to the unbuilt soccer stadium. The Lions will continue to play at BC Place. So BC Place remains multi-purpose.

So are they ever going to build that waterfront stadium? or is that now just a pipe dream? regardless, i'm excited about two things now 1) Whitecaps FC an MLS FRANCHISE! and 2) an upgraded BC Place stadium. i can't wait to see some pictures of the progress that's being done at BC Place.

is the retractable roof of BC Place going to look like the ones we've been seeing on renderings, or will the design be different?

with all this being said, i'd still like to see the whitecaps build their own stadium. how nice would that be. we'd have three stadiums in the city. GM Place, BC Place, and the hopefully soon built Whitecaps stadium. If they don't come to an agreement with the Port authorities, will they build somewhere else? or is it waterfront or bust?

[Locked In]

Some more press coverage about the imminent announcement:

Whitecaps travel a long road to return to the big leagues

By Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun - March 17, 2009

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.vancouversun.com/whitecaps+travel+long+road+return+leagues/1399655/1399661.bin
An artist's rendering of B.C. Place stadium decked out to host a Whitecaps soccer game. Photograph by: .,

VANCOUVER — The first time around, they played in a league of luxury hotels and pricey international stars on their last legs.

Heady days for the Vancouver Whitecaps — and ultimately unsustainable.

Today, a humbler attempt begins, as the second incarnation of the Whitecaps becomes the 17th member of Major League Soccer, essentially the North American Soccer League’s smarter offspring: still the top league we’ve got, but on a lot shorter leash.

MLS commissioner Don Garber is expected to announce today that Vancouver will begin play in 2011.

For the team known these days as Whitecaps FC, it has been a long road back — a road that led from the Canadian Soccer League to the A-League to the United Soccer Leagues, and from the Vancouver 86ers to a rechristening under the name that still conjures up memories of sellouts in Empire Stadium and the 1979 Soccer Bowl championship.

Vancouver’s MLS entry, backed by current owner Greg Kerfoot, former Yahoo president Jeff Mallett, Seagate CEO Stephen Luczo and basketball star Steve Nash, had to pony up $40 million US ($50.7 million) to get to the head of what was once a seven-city list of expansion candidates.

“Fortunately, the people of Vancouver have supported soccer at whatever level it’s been at,” said Whitecaps FC general manager Bob Lenarduzzi, the most visible constant in three decades of soccer’s evolution and devolution in Vancouver. “The USL is good football, but MLS is a brand, like the NHL, like major-league baseball. It’s the best league in these parts.”

Reluctant to speak of a done deal because “we’re still sorting out some details,” Lenarduzzi was clearly thrilled Tuesday to be close to the finish line.

All along, the 86ers/Whitecaps have soldiered on admirably, winning more than most, keeping the pulse alive, but languishing deep in the shadows of the Canucks and Lions even as they won the USL title last year.

Limited by the leagues in which they played, and the knowledge that the most gifted Canadians would find their way to European clubs (or, since 1996, MLS), the Whitecaps were spinning their wheels. The club fielded hard-working sides with plenty of moxie but little star power, chronically dependent on the hardcore followers at 6,800-seat Swangard Stadium.

There were only two possible exits from the treadmill: the MLS, or a new stadium. In the end, they got one and almost the other.

Kerfoot’s offer to build a Gastown stadium looking out across the Burrard Inlet ran into so much nit-picking opposition, it was finally superseded (if not yet killed) by the $365-million plan to renovate and re-roof BC Place Stadium for the 2010 Olympics and beyond.

The new configuration has a roof-within-a-roof draping system that will turn a cavernous 60,000-seat football stadium into a cosy, 20,000-seater for soccer. And the MLS imprimatur should do the rest.

Toronto FC, the lone Canadian MLS team, and the Seattle Sounders, who start play this year, are already astounding success stories.

“Have you been to a Toronto FC game? It’s unbelievable. It’s like being in Europe. It’s unlike anything else in that market,” Lenarduzzi said. “They have capped season tickets at 16,000 and have 14,000 on a waiting list. That’s phenomenal, ridiculous. And then you look down the road here at Seattle, they’ve capped season tickets at 22,000.”

The Seattle Sounders begin MLS play this week, three hours and two years away.

ccole@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/Whitecaps+travel+long+road+return+leagues/1399655/story.html)

[Locked In]

TSN article that discusses an interesting complication in the Vancouver bid:


REPORT: VANCOUVER AWARDED MLS FRANCHISE

TSN.CA Staff 3/17/2009 10:17:53PM


Soccer fans in Vancouver may have something to cheer about as the Whitecaps are about to become part of the MLS.

Vancouver radio station CKNW is reporting that a deal between the Whitecaps and Major League Soccer has been reached and the city of Vancouver has been awarded a franchise that will begin play in the 2011 season.

The deal will be announced at a downtown press conference on Wednesday morning in Vancouver with certain provisions to be worked out later.

One of the major stumbling blocks along the way was the development system that the Whitecaps employ.

The Whitecaps work on a European model of development of players, from the youth system up to the reserves, before becoming full-time members of the team. The MLS, meanwhile, signs standard player contracts and the other 16 teams have no farm system such as the model that Vancouver uses.

Having invested millions in the development of the system, Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot says he does not want to give it up.

"We think that the rest of the world isn't wrong," Whitecaps' president Bob Lenarduzzi told CKNW. "The Pro clubs develop the players. The MLS have a very unique model, with the single entity concept where the league owns the contract. Ideally there is some hybrid there."

Vancouver is scheduled to become the 17th team in the MLS, with the Seattle Sounders joining this season and a team in Philadelphia to begin play in 2010.

Vancouver would be the second Canadian franchise in the league after Toronto FC, which was founded in 2006 and began play in 2007.


Source: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=271612&lid=sublink011&lpos=headlines_main)

[djmk]

:previous:

from TEAM1040 in which i posted before

In terms of player development, MLS has to date maintained a heavily-centralized, top-heavy model in which player contracts are the property of the league. The USL has managed a decentralized model in which player contracts are owned by each franchise and is known for its Super Y League program of youth development.

“There are merits to both approaches but in my view, the only way MLS will ensure sustainability is by vertically integrating its business development and player development models deep into the markets and regions within which they’re playing,” said Mayenknecht. “A more European type model in which the professional clubs serve as the apex of regional youth and player development strategies would pay dividends for MLS, on and off the field, and set the stage for stronger relationships with the larger soccer community in North America.”

Mayenknecht noted the Whitecaps, Sounders and USL Timbers have all adopted those kinds of strategies over the years: “It would be second nature for these new franchises to bring this kind of thinking to MLS and I believe it would be in the league’s best interests to follow that path for the long-term. It makes business sense at so many levels.”


TSN is jealous of Vancouver and is trying to make hay. TSN SUCKS