MLS Bid Will Move Forward Without City

CHARLOTTE, NC– Charlotte will put in a bid for a Major League Soccer team even without the city on board. The Queen City is one of 12 cities in the running for four future franchises. Several city council members had asked for more time to consider a deal that would have the city and county each

Several city council members had asked for more time to consider a deal that would have the city and county each pay $43.75 million towards a new $175-million stadium.

Marcus Smith tweeted out his intent to submit the bid today.

Mike burch says: “The city council asked for more time to examine the opportunity. And we talked to city officials, county officials and MLS officials and feel like it just makes sense to continue those discussions and see where we end up on it,” said Mike Burch.

Bids from competing cities are due to Major League Soccer tomorrow. Two expansion franchises will start play in 2020 with two more in 2022.