Major League Soccer has spent three decades turning expansion into one of its defining business strategies. New clubs have opened valuable markets, attracted ambitious ownership groups and created local supporter cultures almost from scratch. With San Diego FC becoming the league’s 30th club in 2025, attention naturally shifted to the next possible phase.
Anyone searching for MLS expansion next cities should begin with an important caveat: there is no guaranteed next franchise until the league and its owners formally approve one. Candidate lists change as stadium plans, investors and political support evolve. Still, several markets have credible ingredients and regularly appear in the wider expansion conversation.
Why MLS may expand again
A growing MLS league gains more than additional fixtures. Expansion can bring a new media market, sponsorship inventory, academy territory, ticket revenue and an ownership fee. A successful club also helps the league look more national, especially when it fills a geographic gap.
There are reasons to move carefully. More teams complicate scheduling, competitive formats and travel. The league must protect playing quality and ensure each ownership group can fund a stadium, training centre, academy and long-term operations. MLS new teams require far more than an enthusiastic fan petition.
What the league looks for in an expansion city
Committed ownership
A wealthy, credible lead investor is essential. MLS owners join a collective business as well as operating a local club. The league will examine financial capacity, sports experience, local connections and the ability to absorb years of development costs.
A realistic stadium solution
Stadium plans often separate serious bids from speculative ones. A candidate needs an appropriate site, financing, approvals, transport access and a believable construction schedule. A soccer-specific stadium is attractive, but a suitable existing venue can strengthen a market if its economics and matchday experience work for MLS.
Demand and commercial potential
Strong lower-division attendance can demonstrate support, although it is not the only measure. MLS also considers population growth, corporate partners, television reach, youth participation and competition from other professional teams. The best MLS expansion cities offer passionate supporters and a durable commercial base.
Indianapolis has built a serious public case
Indianapolis is one of the clearest markets to watch because local leaders have openly pursued top-tier soccer and discussed a stadium pathway. The city has experience hosting major sporting events, a central location and an established soccer audience through Indy Eleven.
The challenge is turning civic ambition into a unified, fully financed proposal that satisfies MLS. Ownership structure and the final stadium solution will matter more than headlines. If those pieces align, Indianapolis can argue that it adds a strong Midwestern market without duplicating an existing local MLS club.
Detroit remains an attractive large market
Detroit offers scale, major corporate history and a deep sporting identity. It would create natural regional interest with clubs such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago and Toronto. Support for Detroit City FC has shown that committed soccer culture exists locally.
Market size alone does not win an expansion place. A Detroit bid would need the right investors and a venue plan tailored to the league’s expectations. Past proposals have shifted shape, so the city should be viewed as a powerful possibility rather than an approved front-runner.
Phoenix fills a notable geographic gap
The Phoenix metropolitan area is large, fast-growing and currently outside the MLS map. It offers a substantial population, strong youth-soccer participation and the chance to deepen the league’s presence in the Southwest. Phoenix Rising’s years in the lower divisions have provided a base of soccer operations and supporter awareness.
Extreme summer heat makes venue design and scheduling important. Stadium finance, location and an ownership group capable of competing with other bidders would determine whether the market moves forward. If those issues are resolved, Phoenix has an obvious strategic story.
Las Vegas has appeal, but also complications
Las Vegas has rapidly become a major-league sports city. Its tourism economy, growing population and entertainment infrastructure make it commercially tempting. An MLS club could market matches to residents and visitors while building regional rivalries with Western teams.
The league would still need confidence in the stadium arrangement and year-round local demand. Las Vegas already hosts several prominent sports properties, so a soccer club would compete for sponsors, attention and spending. Its appeal is genuine, but a bid must be built for local loyalty rather than novelty alone.
Sacramento cannot be ignored
Sacramento once came extremely close to joining MLS, and Sacramento Republic’s support remains a compelling part of its case. The market has a distinct identity, proven lower-division interest and prior stadium planning. Those advantages keep it relevant whenever expansion returns to the agenda.
Its earlier MLS award did not proceed after the lead investor withdrew, showing how quickly a bid can change. A renewed effort would require a robust ownership group and updated financial plan. Sacramento may have more expansion history than most candidates, but history does not guarantee the next place.
Other markets that could enter the conversation
Expansion discussions can widen quickly. Louisville has a strong soccer-specific venue and successful lower-division organisation. Tampa Bay has population and soccer history but would need a convincing modern stadium and investor plan. New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Cleveland and other markets may attract interest if credible groups emerge.
A Canadian bid is also possible in principle, although MLS already operates in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Any new Canadian candidate would need to show that its commercial upside and stadium plan are stronger than well-developed American alternatives.
What expansion would mean for MLS
Adding clubs could force another review of conferences, scheduling and playoffs. At 32 teams, MLS might prefer two balanced conferences, smaller regional groupings or another format entirely. No structure should be assumed before a formal announcement.
Expansion also affects players. More roster places create opportunities, but every club needs scouting, academy development and technical leadership. The league must ensure growth does not reward short-term recruitment at the expense of sustainable player pathways.
Frequently asked questions
Has MLS officially announced a 31st team?
No candidate should be described as confirmed without a formal league announcement. Public interest, stadium discussions and political support are indicators, not franchise awards.
Which city is most likely to receive the next MLS team?
Indianapolis, Detroit, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Sacramento all have credible arguments, but their positions depend on ownership and stadium developments. There is no permanently fixed ranking.
Could MLS grow to 32 teams?
Thirty-two is a logical number for scheduling and is often discussed by observers, but the league’s owners must decide whether, when and how further expansion serves MLS.
How long does an expansion club take to launch?
Usually several years are needed to finalise a stadium, hire staff, build training operations, develop a brand and assemble a roster. The timeline varies with the readiness of the winning market.
The strongest complete bid will lead
The next MLS expansion race will not be decided by population or enthusiasm alone. It will favour the city that combines committed ownership, a workable stadium, commercial depth and credible local support. Indianapolis, Detroit, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Sacramento deserve attention, but the picture can change quickly. Until MLS acts, they are candidates—not promises.