Four Finalists Chosen For MLS Expansion Teams

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Major League Soccer announced Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento as four finalists for two expansion teams to be awarded in December, with Charlotte, Indianapolis and several other cities remaining under consideration for a second round of expansion. The league's final four cities are invited to make a last push Dec. 6 in St. Louis to the league's expansion committee. The MLS Board of Governors will meet Dec. 14 with an announcement on the two teams that will join the league in 2020 thereafter.

"The leaders of the Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento MLS expansion ownership groups have bold visions and innovative plans for their clubs, stadiums and their involvement in their respective communities," Commissioner Don Garber said in a league statement. "We are pleased these highly-respected business and sports leaders have been so determined to bring Major League Soccer to their cities. We have been greatly encouraged by the progress that all four of these groups have made and we are looking forward to their presentations."

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Though only those four cities are under consideration for the first round of expansion, Phoenix, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg join Charlotte and Indianapolis as the areas being considered for a second round of expansion.

Photo Credit: AJ Mast/Associated Press