Months After Changing the MLS Format, $3.6 Bn Worth Egyptian Billionaire Claimed to Buy an Expansion MLS Team in Record-Breaking Deal

Year after year, the interest in American soccer is substantially rising. Also, America is one of the three hosts for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. In an attempt to nurture more homegrown players for the future, the MLS is looking to further expand the league. During recent seasons, constant efforts are being taken to make the league more appealing.

For the first time this season, the fans will witness a new playoff format after the group stages come to a close.

In terms of expanding the league, a recent report suggests that a 75-year-old Egyptian businessman is eyeing an expansion team in the league.

Who is eyeing an expansion team in the MLS?

As per the report, the investment in the new team could be upwards of $700 million. The US Soccer board will also aspire the new club to have excellent training facilities and a proper youth intake for future homegrown talents. Also, it will be a great opportunity for the players to further develop their careers in America itself.

The person in the limelight is Mohamed Mansour. The Senior treasurer of the Conservative Party is worth about $3.6 billion. His major investment in American soccer will be more than David Tepper?s $325 million for Carolina Panthers in the NFL. On the other hand, player-turned-businessman, David Beckham set up Inter Miami for a mere $25 million.

Mansour will be the owner of the 30 team in the MLS. Apart from this investment, the Egyptian billionaire also intends on buying a soccer club in England. While already well-versed in the sport, Mansour currently owns soccer academies in Denmark, Ghana, and Egypt. 2025 will probably be the inaugural season of Mansour?s new franchise.

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Other than that, let?s have a look at the brand-new MLS playoff format applicable from this season onwards.

American soccer’s new playoff format in brief

Apart from the new format, this season will also be Saint Louis City SC?s inaugural season in the MLS. The fans of the league will now witness a Best-of-3 series. Ahead of an enhanced Round One, the fans will also witness Wild Card matches that will work on a single-elimination principle. From both conferences, teams #1 – #7 will qualify for the Best-of-3 series.

The #8 and #9 team will play a set of Wildcard games. The winners of both these categories will advance to the semi-final. After the grand finale, the champions of the Eastern and Western Conference will face off once for the MLS Cup by Audi. Find a detailed explanation of the league?s new format right here.

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What do you think about the MLS potentially expanding to thirty teams? Let us know in the comments below.