Major League Soccer Announces New Expansion Timeline

July 17, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

NEW YORK - Major League Soccer today announced a new timeline for the inaugural seasons of three of the four expansion clubs. The new timeline is the result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the commencement of business operations and stadium development of these clubs and will give the clubs an appropriate timeline for a successful launch.

Austin FC remains on schedule to begin competition in 2021 as planned. Charlotte, originally scheduled to begin MLS play next season, will now debut in 2022. St. Louis and Sacramento will begin play in 2023 instead of 2022.

The decision was made by MLS Commissioner Don Garber, in conjunction with the league's Expansion Committee.

Austin FC, which unveiled the club's brand in August 2018 and was formally announced in January 2019 -- well ahead of the other expansion teams -- remains on schedule to debut in 2021. The club had made significant progress on its sporting, business, and stadium objectives before the onset of the pandemic.

"We have always taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to our expansion planning and have delivered successful launches for every new club," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "It is important for each club to take the necessary time to launch their inaugural MLS seasons the way their fans and communities deserve. With the extra year to make up for what has been a challenging 2020, these teams will be well-positioned for their debuts and for long-term success."

Charlotte, St. Louis and Sacramento were each awarded MLS expansion teams in the second half of 2019. Owned by David Tepper, Charlotte's MLS team was announced in December. Sacramento Republic FC, owned by Ron Burkle, Matt Alvarez and Kevin Nagle, were granted an expansion team in October. Led by Carolyn Kindle Betz and the first female majority ownership in league history, St. Louis was awarded an MLS team in August.

Major League Soccer Stories from July 17, 2020

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• Revolution and D.C. United Play to 1-1 Draw in MLS Is Back Tournament - New England Revolution
• Rapids Fall Late - Colorado Rapids
• Pareja, Lions Look for Group Stage Clean Sweep - Orlando City SC
• Ulloa: "It's Going to be a Final for Us on Monday Morning” - Inter Miami CF
• LA Galaxy and East Side Riders Bike Club to Host Group Bike Ride from Watts to Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday - LA Galaxy
• Manager Diego Alonso: "We Have to Insist Until It Happens” - Inter Miami CF
• Three Points: Houston Dynamo Face Portland Timbers in Critical Group F Match - Houston Dynamo FC
• Chicago Fire FC Launches Expansive Reimagined Kids Club Program for Kids 12-And-Under - Chicago Fire FC
• Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Nathan Harriel to Homegrown Contract - Philadelphia Union
• Orlando City Acquires 2021 MLS SuperDraft First Round Pick from Philadelphia Union - Orlando City SC
• Major League Soccer Announces New Expansion Timeline - MLS
• LAFC Faces Crosstown Rival La Galaxy in Second Group Stage Match of the MLS Is Back Tournament Saturday Night - Los Angeles FC
• Orlando City Faces Philadelphia Union on Monday - Orlando City SC
• WGN-TV to Air Rebroadcast of Win over Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday Afternoon in Lead-Up to Match Versus San Jose Earthquakes - Chicago Fire FC
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• Columbus Crew SC Adds Corey Wray to Black & Gold's Technical Staff - Columbus Crew SC
• Servando Carrasco on Fort Lauderdale CF: "If I Want to Really Get the Best out of My Teammates I Have to Set the Example First" - MLS
• Columbus Crew SC Defender Vito Wormgoor Undergoes Successful Ankle Surgery - Columbus Crew SC
• Red Bulls Fall to Columbus, 2-0 - New York Red Bulls

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