David Beckham is still one of the world's most popular football figures and despite leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy and his playing career behind, the former star midfielder is looking to expand his horizons to ownership, as he could be bringing a Major League Soccer team to Miami.
According to ESPNFC.com, the Daily Mail reports that Beckham is moving closer to a deal to bring a team to Miami in the MLS and this is a deal that has been rumored about for months. The report says that Beckham has the chance to be the owner of a team for a $25 million fee, which came from a clause in his deal back when he was with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
When Beckham first moved to the MLS, the league was successful, but nothing like it is today and he is one of the main reasons why the league has been growing in popularity from year to year. The city of Miami is excited about the prospect of having a team and since Florida does not have an MLS franchise, the city makes the most sense as the next one in line to get one. The biggest issue for the MLS is that they don't have a presence in the area, with two teams folding over a decade ago and the closest club now being the Houston Dynamo in Texas and the DC United in Washington.
The league hopes that having a team in Miami can open up the Southeast United State to more expansion and that having Beckham in as owner will help the team gain popularity and remain successful. The Miami team isn't the only one being put together, as another franchise will be playing in New York, called New York City FC, which will be owned by the Yankees and the Manchester City team in the Premier League.
The report from ESPN.com says that Beckham is moving closer to a deal to be a part owner of the team and the article says that "Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross, American Idol creator Simon Fuller and Brightstar Corp founder Marcelo Claure" all could end up as part owners of the team with Beckham.
