With Chivas USA staying in Los Angeles and Major League Soccer ridding itself of the worst brand in the history of sports, commissioner Don Garber took it upon himself to continue to discuss expanding the league past 21 teams.
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According to MLS's official website, Commissioner Garber reamins "bullish" over the prospects of a franchise in Atlanta. With David Beckham also in the mix to bring MLS back to Miami, only one spot remains before reaching Garber's promise of 24 teams before 2020. His excitement, however, is exclusive to one region.
"That opportunity is one that we're excited about as we believe we need more teams in the Midwest," Commissioner Garber said. "I think if Minneapolis as a market can continue to show the support that they've had for the NASL club [Minnesota United FC] and if they continue to make progress on a number of different stadium opportunities, there's a real opportunity there," he added.
San Antonio also got a name drop. Garber added, "There are lots and lots of opportunities we've looked at in Texas."
One of those opportunities is the support of former Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria. The Corpus Christi starlet took to Twitter on Jan. 27 to publicly petition her support for NASL's San Antonio Scorpions.
I believe San Antonio is #MLSReady – join me in signing this petition to show your support https://t.co/tnG2vTET1X
— Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) February 27, 2014
The lower-division side now has two things working in its favor. Not only did San Antonio average nearly double the attendance of Minnesota United FC—a Minneapolis based club in the NASL—but now the Scorpions have the added bonus of boasting a powerful Hollywood name.
Unfortunately, they're going to need more than that.
Nielsen market universe estimates ranked Minneapolis as the 15th largest television market in the country. San Antonio finished a paltry 21 spots behind at No. 36. If there's one thing MLS is desperate for, it's viewership. The league saw percentages drop drastically from 2012 to 2013.
One city attends more. The other, is riding the television wave.
Which benefits MLS most moving forward? Tell us @SportsWN
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