A Chronological Look at MLS Expansion and NYC FC

I was reading the archives of some of my favorite soccer blogs this morning and found this awesome detailed account of Major League Soccer's expansion history on Climbing the Ladder. The following are the parts pertinent to a NYC FC (including how New Jersey fits into the mix), but I would recommend checking out the original article. It gives you a good feel for the past and maybe the future of MLS expansion.

1993
New York and New Jersey were visited by league representatives separately after they both expressed interest in being home to an MLS franchise.

1994
New York and New Jersey submit separate bids for an MLS franchise. The New York franchise is to be based out of Long Island. MLS awards both New York and New Jersey separate franchises. Later that year, MLS decides to delay the league's inaugural season until 1996. They cut their original number of teams from 12 to 10 by dropping the NY/LI franchise. League states "the Long Island franchise will not be among the starters, and may not begin until 1998. "

1995
League issues the following statement: "Eight cities have been determined: Boston/Foxborough, Chicago, Columbus, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, San Jose and Washington. Two others will be chosen from Denver, Seattle, San Diego and Tampa." New York turns out to be the NY/NJ MetroStars.

1998
''A second team located near mass transit could enhance what we do in the metropolitan New York area and not damage the MetroStars (fan base). We've had discussions with Shea Stadium and that could be a good solution. Shea has portions of the stands that roll and would allow for very good soccer dimensions.'' Makes me wonder how long Fred Wilpon has been in talks with MLS.

1999
When then-commissioner Doug Logan is asked about future MLS expansions, his response is "Philadelphia and Houston are at the top of the list," but also mentioned are New York (Queens or Long Island) and San Diego.

2000
Two quotes from new commissioner Don Garber:
"We will expand by two teams by 2002. We are targeting a second team in the New York Tri-state area as well as a second team, likely in either Philadelphia or Atlanta."

New York is definite for 2002 and Stuart Subotnick , investor-operator of the MetroStars, is considering several sites between Philadelphia and Hartford. "Our goal is to have no less than four new teams by 2004. We have many other cities, including a representative from one of those cities who is here waiting for me today, who is from Milwaukee. There are many cities who we have interested investors and public supporters. Winston-Salem is one. They already have begun selling PSL's for a new stadium they hope to build. Rochester is an interested market. Houston is an interested market. Sacramento is an interested market. Seattle is a very interested market. So there are many markets for us to pick from. We have to pick the most appropriate time frame, if you will, for all those markets to fall into place. New York fell into place and hopefully Philly and Atlanta will fall into place."

2001
More from Garber: "We are currently engaged in discussions with interested groups in New York, the Philadelphia area, Houston, Rochester, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Seattle, Atlanta, Louisville and the Carolinas."

2007
And another quote from Garber: "There's more interest in MLS expansion than at any other time in the history of the sport in the country. Without prioritizing any one market, here is a rundown of the cities: Vancouver, Portland, Seattle, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego, San Antonio, St. Louis, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Rochester, New York City, Atlanta, Miami and Las Vegas. "

Expansion into New York was also mentioned in his recent State of the League address: "Garber went on to give a breakdown of the markets that could serve as expansion sites in the future, with the league in talks with potential owners in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia, Montreal, New York, Portland, Ore., St. Louis, Mo. and Vancouver."

According to the New York Times, Don Garber confirmed he was talking to Fred Wilpon, New York Mets owner, along with other interested parties.

A couple of things I pulled from all of this. Major League Soccer always wanted two teams in the New York area, not just one team representing the area. Long Island is a possibility for an MLS franchise, but the more recent information seems to lean towards a team within the five boroughs. Wilpon and other entities involved with Shea Stadium (i.e. City officials) have talked about using Shea as the home of an MLS franchise for years! And finally, I learn that nothing is guaranteed. Bringing professional soccer to NYC has been talked about for over a decade and nothing concrete has occurred. I feel confident that it will happen, but there is a fight ahead. So cross your fingers, but be prepared for the long haul.

Again I would like to thank Climbing the Ladder for the great work!