Charlotte gets MLS 30th, and likely last, franchise (via ESPN.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Major League Soccer on Tuesday made it official that Charlotte will be the home of the league’s 30th and likely last franchise.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper purchased the franchise for an MLS-record $325 million, sources told ESPN.

“This is the right time for our league,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in an interview with ESPN. “It’s the right time for the sport of soccer in America and it really is the right time for the ownership group. This is likely the last expansion team in Major League Soccer.

“We wanted to really take our time in making sure that we had a passionate owner that had a commitment to the community, that was in a city that had great history and great passion for the sport, that had a terrific stadium plan and would allow us to create the tremendous momentum we have as we get ready and prepare for the World Cup in 2026.”

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The official announcement came at a news conference involving Tepper, Garber and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

Charlotte city council pledged $110 million to help secure the bid against other cities. The $325 million check Tepper wrote far exceeds the $200 million for the 28th and 29th expansion franchises.

“These are limited opportunities,” Garber said in explaining the jump in cost. “As MLS moves forward of going through a process of fully expanding our league, there was only one team left. Obviously, the value was going to be a part of the calculation.

“It’s also important to recognize that an investment in Major League Soccer today compared to where other sports leagues are is relatively inexpensive to capture what is going to be an enormous opportunity as the country continues to change.”

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Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4015203/charlotte-gets-mls-30th-franchise-for-record-$325-million