MLS Announces Expansion to St. Louis with New FranchiseMLS Announces Expansion to St. Louis with New Franchise Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially announced the expansion of its league to St. Louis, Missouri, with the addition of a new franchise. The new team will begin play in the 2023 MLS season. St. Louis has a rich soccer history and has long been considered a potential expansion market for MLS. The city is home to a passionate soccer fan base, with numerous youth and adult leagues. It also boasts a modern stadium, the Dome at America’s Center, which will serve as the new franchise’s home. The ownership group behind the St. Louis MLS franchise includes Carolyn Kindle Betz, Jim Kavanaugh, and Dave Peacock. They have expressed their commitment to building a successful team and creating a positive impact on the St. Louis community. “We are thrilled to welcome St. Louis to the MLS family,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “The city’s vibrant soccer culture and strong ownership group make it an ideal location for an expansion franchise.” The addition of St. Louis brings the total number of MLS teams to 29. The league has ambitious plans to continue expanding in the coming years, with a goal of reaching 30 teams by 2026. The St. Louis MLS franchise will play a significant role in contributing to the growth of soccer in the Midwest. It will provide a platform for local players to compete at the highest level, while also offering youth and adult soccer leagues an opportunity to aspire to. The announcement of the St. Louis MLS franchise has been met with great excitement from both the local community and the soccer world. Fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a professional soccer team in their city, and the franchise is expected to become a major attraction for sports enthusiasts in St. Louis and beyond.
