Major League Soccer delays debuts of three expansion teams due to COVID concerns
Major League Soccer announced Friday that three announced expansion teams would be joining the league later than previously expected due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
While Austin FC is still on track to have its inaugural season in 2021 as originally planned, three other teams had their launches pushed back a year. Charlotte will debut in 2022 instead of 2021 and St. Louis and Sacramento will debut in 2023 instead of 2022.
The additions of all three teams were announced in late 2019.
“We have always taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to our expansion planning and have delivered successful launches for every new club,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “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 will reveal the team's name and crest July 22 and will still be able to sign players at the start of the transfer window. Its youth academy will also continue as scheduled.
Sacramento Republic FC, which currently competes in the USL Championship, will continue to compete in that division through 2022. The team plans to break ground on a new stadium in the fall.
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According to the statement, construction on St. Louis' stadium "is still moving forward and the club’s construction partners are closely following guidelines from health and government officials to effectively and safely manage the ongoing stadium project."
With Charlotte's debut postponed, MLS will have 27 teams in the 2021 season.