Major League Soccer: Atlanta could become the 23^rd franchise from 2017

Atlanta may become the 23^rd franchise of MLS (Major League Soccer), according to the American press on 06/04/2014, adding that the official announcement should be formalised on 16/04/2014 by the North American professional soccer league and Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL, American Football League) and of the future soccer franchise in the city.

"The answer is yes. ... We're in the very final stages of doing our agreement. We hope to have an announcement this coming week," said Arthur Blank to an Atlanta radio station on 02/04/2014. "We are continuing discussions with Arthur Blank to bring a Major League Soccer expansion team to Atlanta. However, we have not finalised an agreement at this time," said Dan Courtemanche, executive vice-president of the MLS responsible for the communications of the league on 08/04/2014. The value of the agreement could be close to $70m (approximately €51m), said the American press.

The entry of Atlanta into MLS, the 10^th biggest television market in the United States, is scheduled for 2017, the year of the expected delivery of the new…