MLS Expansion Advance: Portland, Sacramento Cleared for TakeoffMLS Expansion Advance: Portland, Sacramento Cleared for Takeoff The highly anticipated expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS) has taken a major step forward, with Portland, Oregon and Sacramento, California officially cleared for takeoff. Commissioner Don Garber made the announcement on Wednesday, alongside representatives from both cities and their prospective MLS ownership groups. Portland’s MLS Dream Realized Portland has been a hotbed of soccer enthusiasm for decades, and the arrival of an MLS team has been eagerly anticipated. The ownership group, led by billionaire Merritt Paulson, who also owns the Portland Timbers in the USL Championship, has secured a lease agreement for a new, state-of-the-art stadium in the city center. “This is a historic day for Portland,” said Paulson. “We have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality, and we are thrilled to welcome MLS to our vibrant and passionate city.” Sacramento Joins the MLS Fold Sacramento has also been a vocal advocate for MLS expansion, with a strong local soccer following and a dedicated ownership group. Led by businessman and Sacramento Republic FC owner Kevin Nagle, the group has secured a stadium site in downtown Sacramento and plans to build a modern and intimate venue for soccer fans. “Words cannot express how excited we are to bring MLS to Sacramento,” said Nagle. “This is a transformative moment for our city and for soccer in Northern California.” MLS Expansion Timeline The addition of Portland and Sacramento brings the total number of MLS teams to 30. Both cities are expected to join the league for the 2023 season, subject to final approval by the MLS Board of Governors. With the expansion process well underway, other cities across the United States and Canada are eagerly expressing their interest in joining the growing MLS footprint. The league is expected to continue its strategic expansion in the coming years, bringing the excitement of top-flight soccer to new communities and fueling the growth of the sport in North America.
