Beckham in Miami to push MLS franchise

PortMiami and David Beckham
PortMiami and David Beckham

David Beckham is definitely exercising his option to acquire a Major League Soccer franchise, and his investment group is planning a heavy push for the team to be located in Miami starting this week.

Beckham’s group and MLS commissioner Don Garber are coming to town on Tuesday and Wednesday to promote the idea of a Miami franchise, the Miami Herald reported. The soccer legend has already chosen to take advantage of the option to buy an expansion team and launch it in Miami, as along as a deal on a privately-funded stadium is reached. Beckham is in talks with Miami-Dade County officials about a stadium lease.

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An invite-only reception is planned for Tuesday night in downtown Miami. On Wednesday, a morning press conference is scheduled at the new Perez Art Museum downtown, with an afternoon meet-and-greet with Beckham and youth soccer enthusiasts at Kendall Soccer Park.

If Beckham moves forward with a Miami franchise, it would likely begin play in time for the 2017 season. [Miami Herald]Eric Kalis