Las Vegas has long been seen as a frontrunner for MLS expansion. But when the league grows to 30 teams in 2025 with the addition of San Diego FC, Sin City is still set to remain on the sidelines.
However, the city’s efforts to add yet another professional sports team has received a ringing endorsement from one of the most influential owners in MLS: David Beckham.
“It’s a real opportunity. We’ve seen the hockey team come in and do incredibly well, and obviously the Raiders being here,” the Inter Miami co-owner told Bloomberg. “In the future, who knows with MLS and if a team comes here to Vegas.”
Beckham was in Vegas for last weekend’s heralded Formula 1 race and came away impressed with the city’s potential for more pro sports.
Any further MLS expansion fees are likely set to surpass the $500 million San Diego is paying to enter the league. The Southern California city beat out Las Vegas in the most recent round of expansion. Sacramento has made strong efforts to lure MLS, and league commissioner Don Garber has also mentioned Detroit, Phoenix, and Tampa Bay as potential options.
World Cup In Vegas, Too?
Beckham’s praise for Las Vegas didn’t stop with his thoughts on MLS’ future in the city.
The soccer legend hinted at Vegas being a viable FIFA World Cup host city — even though it wasn’t selected to host matches for the 2026 event. “If it does, then I think it’s going to be spectacular,” Beckham said of Las Vegas as a World Cup site.
FIFA could be searching for another host venue in 2026 if its disagreement with Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke ultimately ends up removing World Cup matches from SoFi Stadium.
