MLS awards franchise to Philadelphia

MLS has awarded the league's 16th franchise to Philadelphia.  The franchise makes perfect sense as the city has a large surrounding support system from youth and club soccer as well as being perfectly located to generate rivalries with nearby DC United and the Red Bulls.  Philadelphia won a major recruiting battle for the franchise beating out St Louis who becomes the clear favorite to be the next MLS city.

The Philadelphia MLS team will play in a new 20,000-seat stadium to be constructed as part of a major development project in Chester, PA.  The Philadelphia club will be owned by iStar Financial CEO Jay Sugarman, Swarthmore Group Chairman James Nevels, Philadelphia attorney William Doran, veteran sports executive Nick Sakiewicz and Christopher and Robert Buccini, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philadelphia to Major League Soccer," said Commissioner Garber. "Philadelphia brings in one of the most passionate sports markets in the country and provides a natural rivalry with the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.   Philadelphia's name, logo and colors will be unveiled at a later date, along with the coaching and administrative staff.