David Beckham is about to score big! When he signed his MLS contract, it included the option of buying an MLS expansion franchise in any market except New York City at the fixed price of $25 million whenever he stopped playing in the league. Beckham is taking that option and the market of his choosing is Miami.
The former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder has teamed with longtime business partner Simon Fuller as well as billionaire Marcelo Claure to try to bring an MLS team to Miami. Beckham and MLS commissioner Don Garber are scheduled to meet with community leaders and youth soccer clubs in Miami this week, and a news conference is set for Wednesday.
In December, Beckham won unanimous approval from Miami-Dade County commissioners to start negotiations with Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez over the potential stadium sites under the condition the group does not ask for local money. Since a stadium plan is still pending, MLS hasn’t awarded Miami a team but Beckham’s recent dealings is the latest sign that Miami Major League Soccer is one step closer to becoming a reality.
