Thursday, October 22, 2026

Newest MLS Team to Make Historical Season Debut

  • St. Louis City SC is the only MLS team with a woman as a founding owner and president.
  • The league wants to announce a 30th team by the end of the year.
A view of the St. Louis City SC badge displayed inside the stadium.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

St. Louis City SC has already made history ahead of its first MLS game on Saturday. 

The league’s 29th team is the only MLS club with a woman as a founding owner and president, Carolyn Kindle, and is the only majority-female ownership group in the league.

The local ownership group has nine people, including Enterprise chief executive Andy Taylor and members of his family.

The team, which paid a $200 million expansion fee to join the league, will play its first home game on March 4 at the 22,500-capacity CITYPARK. Its new $461 million venue was originally called Centene Stadium as part of a 15-year naming rights deal, but the club announced the name change in October after agreeing to “reshape” the partnership with Centene.

League Only Getting Bigger

St. Louis City SC was the only expansion team for the 2023 season, but MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Wednesday that he wants to announce a 30th team by the end of the year, which would triple the 10 teams it had in 2004. 

“I think San Diego and Las Vegas are the most likely opportunities for 30,” he said, mentioning Detroit, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Tampa as other possible expansion sites.

The league is expanding its playoff format as it kicks off its 28th season and, earlier this week, it announced three major deals with Adidas, Audi, and RBC Wealth management. Adidas, which plans to help the MLS grow its U.S. audience, agreed to a multiyear extension worth $830 million.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.

MLS Not Looking Into NYCFC Owners Over Man City Violations

Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/22/26 – Rays-Brewers Can’t Stop Lockout, $771 to Watch NBA, Jaguars Fans’ Afterlife

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.

NBC: NBA Opening Night Tip-Off Most-Watched Ever

The Sixers-Knicks game drew 7.7 million viewers.
October 22, 2026

Red Bull’s Late Turnaround Gives Verstappen Hope for 2027

Earlier this year, Verstappen suggested retirement was on his mind.
October 22, 2026

Brewers Owner Pushes for MLB Salary Cap and Floor

The long-tenured Brewers owner offered vigorous support of a salary cap.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
October 22, 2026

NFL Could Soon Let TV Viewers Watch, Hear Instant Replay Reviews

The NFL could follow the ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten’s lead.
Mat Ishbia
Exclusive
October 22, 2026

White Sox Co-Owner Mat Ishbia Endorses MLB Salary Cap—and Floor

The club owner told FOS he supports major economic reform.
October 21, 2026

Goodell Addresses Steve Tisch, Paris Concerns, NFL Officiating

Goodell also talked about Jay-Z and Super Bowl halftime rumors.
October 21, 2026

AUSL Hasn’t Recognized Pro Softball Players Union Yet

The new AUSL Players Association wants the league at the bargaining table.