Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment has been granted the exclusive rights through October 31, 2005 to negotiate an agreement to acquire the rights to a Major League Soccer expansion team that will commence play in Toronto in 2007.
"Toronto would be an excellent addition to Major League Soccer under the leadership of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, one of the preeminent sports and entertainment companies in the world," Commissioner Garber said. "We are enthusiastic about bringing an MLS team to Toronto and are prepared to host the 2008 All-Star Game and an MLS Cup in Toronto by 2012."
With Canada hosting the 2007 FIFA World Youth Championship, Toronto is scheduled to host tournament matches in a new stadium built specifically for soccer. Plans for the new stadium are expected to be finalized soon.
"Our vision is for every Major League Soccer team to play in their own soccer-specific stadium," Garber added. "MLS' arrangement with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to bring an expansion team to Toronto is contingent on a soccer stadium being built. We support the plan to build a soccer stadium at Exhibition Place as we believe it would be a tremendous home for an MLS team. The stadium would be a true community asset that also would host other cultural, entertainment and youth events that will benefit the entire city. We believe the Canadian market presents a tremendous opportunity for Major League Soccer, and we will also look at other cities in Canada for future MLS expansion.
Major League Soccer continues to evaluate many markets in North America for potential expansion in 2007. The League's current plans are to add two additional teams as early as 2007, bringing MLS to a total of 14 teams.
"MLS will continue to focus on Toronto for 2007 provided there is an approved plan for a stadium by October 31. If not, the League will be required to shift its focus to other 2007 expansion candidates," Garber said. "We look forward to continuing to work with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Canadian Soccer Association and government officials to support the stadium efforts."
