Worldwide soccer star David Beckham is getting into the Major League Soccer business, as the former Los Angeles Galaxy player exercised an option he had to buy an MLS franchise and he will spearhead the Miami team and will work to get a new stadium in the area to make things official.
Beckham was mentioned in rumors and news reports last year that he was going to purchase the Miami franchise and now the league is adding multiple teams in the state with the Orlando franchise along with a new team in New York City. The MLS teams now needs financing and a stadium location and the league made an exception for the plan, as cities need a stadium set before getting a franchise. Beckham said that he is not looking to get public funding, which is a big issue in Miami after the Marlins stadium debacle, and he added that he wants to create a team that the fans and the city can embrace.
Beckham said he wants to help fund the team himself and with his ownership group and Beckham said previously that LeBron James could get involved as well. There are some areas where the team could build a stadium and Beckhams group has already engaged in talks, as the report says that the Miami Beckham United group has looked at an area near the Port of Miami.
"I am thrilled to announce that David Beckham has exercised his option to purchase an MLS expansion team and has selected Miami for his club," MLS commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday, according to ESPN.com.
