LeBron James and David Beckham May Launch MLS Franchise in Miami


Liverpool F.C. minority owner LeBron James confirmed that he is in talks with David Beckham about the possibility of bringing an MLS franchise to South Beach. Per the Daily Mail and Miami Herald: “Beckham and his representatives are focused on securing the main investor groups needed to launch their franchise but it would be a massive coup to bring in one of the wealthiest and highest profile men in sport. James acquired a minority stake in Liverpool in 2011 as part of a deal with club owners Fenway Sports Group to help develop the club’s brand. He would bring the same expertise to the Miami franchise. The two sporting icons hit it off earlier this year after Beckham watched James star for Miami Heat and the basketball legend has invited the Beckhams to dinner to help them settle into the area. Beckham, 38, has become a regular at the American Airlines Arena and he watched another game last week after travelling to the city to check out possible stadium sites and to finalise negotiations with investors. He visited the campus of Florida International University and Marlins Park, the home of Miami Marlins. The former LA Galaxy midfielder was offered the chance to buy an MLS franchise at a discount when he arrived in the US in 2007. He has to complete the deal within a year of retiring from MLS action. […] Q: How far along are talks with David Beckham of a potential investment in a soccer team? LeBron: ‘There is some interest on both sides. David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club. There is interest on both sides, but it’s preliminary talks but there is some open dialogue.’ Q: What do you think the potential is for MLS in Miami? ‘We don’t know. The research is still being made out but I think it could be huge. But, you never know. I think this is a great town for soccer. There are a lot of soccer players here. There’s a great youth [system] of soccer here. And people love the city as well, so that definitely will help.’ Do you feel like Miami is definitely going to get an MLS team at this point? ‘We don’t know. I don’t know. It’s like buying a house. You don’t know until you sign the papers.'”