Major League Soccer: David Beckham to establish new expansion franchise in Miami, Florida

An ownership group led by David Beckham has been awarded the 22^nd club in the MLS (Major League Soccer), the league and the former English international announced on 05/02/2014. The new franchise will be in Miami, Florida, and enter the league in either 2016 or 2017.

The ownership group will include Beckham's long-time business partner Simon Fuller and Miami-based Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure, owner of the global telecommunications conglomerate Brightstar. Additional investors are likely to be added to the group. Stadium details have yet to be finalised, however the MLS and Beckham are seeking approval to build a new, privately-funded 25,000 seat structure in downtown Miami.

In his final playing contract with the MLS, which ended at the conclusion of the 2012 season, Beckham had an option to create a new MLS team after paying a $25 million (€18.5m) expansion fee. According to the American press, Beckham exercised that option prior to its 31/12/2013 expiry date. However, Beckham and the MLS waited to hold the announcement until all parties could be present in Miami, and to…