Portland, Vancouver Believed to Be Next MLS Expansion Locations Based on Conditions, More
4th March 2009
This morning, we’re reporting on the Business of Sports Network about MLS expansion as part of our continued “Focus On” series. But after publication, word arrived late last night through someone connected to MLS that with Miami dropping out of the running for one of the two expansion franchises, Portland and Vancouver, B.C. would be given conditional award for the next two expansion franchises in MLS.
What does that mean?
As someone that lives in Portland, and worked directly within the MLB to Portland effort, it can mean much. It can also place the actual award just out of fingers reach.
The term “conditional award” came into vogue during the early 2000s when MLB was looking to relocate the Montreal Expos. The phrase is fairly straight forward. A franchise is awarded a city, based on the condition that a stadium meeting league parameters is provided.
As I mentioned, this can give a considerable amount of leverage to sports boosters and the city advocates looking to land a team. It allows the targeted city the ability to more easily pass funding measures needed to build from scratch, or renovate facilities to meet league conditions.
I also mentioned that it can place a franchise just within reach. In this economy, focusing on public funding of stadia development is exceptionally difficult. Even with a conditional award, the political capital needed to pass funding can be daunting, even if there are clear attempts to safeguard the host municipality from picking up the tab, should something go badly (league folding, targeted revenue streams to pay back bonds below threshold, etc).
Stay tuned to see what happens over the next two weeks as MLS gets closer to announcing the winning cities.
In other news…
Thank goodness, it’s nearly over. Manny Ramirez and Dodgers have agreed on parameters for a two-year, $45 million contract.
It seemed somewhat humorous at the time, but now ends tragically. A minor league player traded for bats has tragically died of a drug overdose.
In more tragic news, the Coast Guard has suspended the search for Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free agent Corey Smith, whose boat capsized off the coast of Florida.
Business of Sports Network staffer Devon Deeple files this organizational report on “The Evil Empire”.
The NHL trade deadline is at 3:00pm ET today, and when all is said and done, should have the fingerprints of the recession all over it.
Tune in today to MLB Network at 5pm ET and witness Ken Griffey, Jr.’s return to the Seattle Mariners.
The Detroit Tigers have extended their working agreement with the Triple-A Toledo Mudhens.
Helio Castroneves tax-evasion trial enters Day Two.
Chris Paul is unveiling a new Jordan Brand shoe for Nike in New Orleans.
Curt Warner is asking the Cardinals for a two-year, $23 million deal.
Matt Vasgersian of MLB Network lets the F-Bomb fly during rehearsal.
This isn’t good. Radium has been found in some ballfields at Great Kills Park on Staten Island.
Mark Cuban is laying down the law with the Mavericks.
‘Duk at Big League Stew reminds us just how over-inflated tickets to New Yankee Stadium will be.
And finally, John Rowady, the president of rEvolution files this guest article on The Biz of Baseball in which he makes the case that companies that have lucrative sponsorship deals with sports franchises, and are receiving federal TARP monies can make the case that it is still a good investment, even in the recession.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer. Brown’s full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.