Beckham close to announcing Miami franchise plans

David Beckham could be close to bringing a major league soccer franchise to Miami, New Times reported, citing press reports in the UK.

When he retired from MLS last season, Beckham left with an option to buy into a new franchise at a discount rate. A Miami visit in the spring with a Bolivian billionaire and a tour of stadiums in Miami-Dade County have led to reports this week in the Sun newspaper and other UK publications that Beckham will likely announce shortly that he’s cashing in his option in Miami.

“This is a big decision where I’ll have my franchise and how I’m going to do it. It’s something I’m excited about,” the British soccer phenom was quoted as telling the UK press.

At the end of May Beckham met Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian billionaire who has tried to lure professional soccer to town in the past, and toured FIU’s football stadium as well as a few other sites around town, the alt-weekly reported.

South Florida’s previous attempt at MLS was the Fort Lauderdale-based Miami Fusion, which ran out of money and the idea collapsed. [New Times] — Emily Schmall