Chivas USA disbands after 10 troubled years; MLS still wants 2 franchises in Los Angeles
Chivas USA has ceased operations after 10 years in Major League Soccer, with the league planning a new franchise for Los Angeles that will begin play in 2017 with new ownership and a new soccer-specific stadium.
The league’s Board of Governors unanimously decided to shut down Chivas USA after reviewing a new plan for the Los Angeles market.
As a result, the league will have 20 teams in the 2015 season, including new franchises in Orlando and New York City.
“As part of our new strategy for Southern California — a major hotbed of soccer participation and fan support — we believe that engaging with a new ownership group which has the resources and local community ties, and a plan for a dedicated soccer-specific stadium, provides us with the best chance for success,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Garber said Monday that MLS will conduct a dispersal draft of the Chivas USA roster before Dec. 1.
The league will re-align its conferences, sending Houston and Sporting Kansas City to the Western Conference to create two 10-team conferences. Each team will play 34 regular-season games.
Related Content:
MountainStar pushing prospect of MLS in Borderplex October 09, 2014
MountainStar Sports Group president talks next steps in pursuit of Major League Soccer team September 3, 2014
Major League Soccer’s deputy commissioner talks expansion contenders Sacramento and Texas August 06, 2014
County Coliseum site to see changes: Soccer stadium a possibility?July 22, 2014
MLS in El Paso? Mayor reacts July 21, 2014
More than 15,000 fans attend soccer match at Sun Bowl Stadium July 21, 2014
Major League Soccer player, El Paso native Omar Salgado thinks MLS would be successful in El PasoJune 20, 2014
Chihuahuas ownership group pursuing Major League Soccer franchiseJune 16, 2014
MLS commissioner: Stadium in Downtown preferred for all future MLS expansion franchisesJune 17, 2014
Major League Soccer facts: How much teams are worth, attendance figures, and moreJune 16, 2014
