• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Indianapolis Officially Vying for MLS Expansion Team

  • The mayor announced plans to officially bid for an MLS team after talking with the commissioner.
  • The city is already constructing a mixed-use development with a new soccer stadium for its USL team.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis is having quite a month between signing Caitlin Clark to the Fever and the Pacers getting their first playoff win since 2018. Looking to keep the good times rolling, the city announced Thursday its plans to bid for an MLS expansion team.

The city is currently developing a new $1 billion mixed-use facility called Eleven Park that will house a stadium for its USL team, Indy Eleven. The team unsuccessfully sought promotion to MLS in 2017 and ’19. Hours before Mayor Joe Hogsett unveiled his MLS dreams, Eleven Park’s developer accused him of “preparing to walk away” from the project. The area is set to include apartments, a music venue, retail, and offices, and developers say Indy Eleven should be ready to play there by summer ’25.

The mayor said he submitted a new proposal with the city to put a soccer stadium downtown that included a possible ownership group and plan for public funding. Hogsett said he flew to New York City on Monday, and he felt confident announcing the planned bid after his conversation with MLS commissioner Don Garber.

“I am well aware that this new venture presents no guarantee, but every great achievement in our city’s history has begun where opportunity was met with action,” Hogsett said.

Indianapolis will certainly have to pay up as MLS team valuations are on the rise. The $500 million price tag on the league’s next expansion team in San Diego set an MLS record in May 2023. The club will become the league’s 30th team when it kicks off in ’25.

Hogsett said “an experienced and well-respected sports executive, who has held leadership roles in MLS and global soccer” was at the helm of the investor group. That exec is Tom Glick, The Athletic reports, who left Chelsea in November after serving as the club’s president of business. Glick has also held the roles of president of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (the group that owns the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC), president of New York City FC, and chief commercial officer of Manchester City.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
July 1, 2025

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 1, 2025

NBA Salary Cap Up 7% in 2026–27, but Teams Expected More

The 2026–27 salary cap is projected at $165 million.
July 1, 2025

Bobby Bonilla On Annual $1.2M Payday: ‘It Doesn’t Suck’

The former MLB star receives another $1.19 million from the Mets today.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, speaks to the media during Cactus League media day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.
June 30, 2025

Manfred, MLB Owners Pitch Directly to Players Ahead of CBA Expiration

Owners see a disconnect between union leadership and individual players.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.
June 30, 2025

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.