Can Nevada Secure an MLS Extension Team?
Photo by Grant Cai on Unsplash
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With the World Cup 2026 taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico this year, the sport of soccer is set for another major boost around the country, and this could lead to more attempts to create MLS expansion teams.
Nevada already has the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team and Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, with the state benefiting from a strong sports betting market to boost interest. Players can find guidance on playing from NV state, and this will be especially useful if the state does get granted an MLS expansion team eventually.
The Rising Popularity of Soccer in the US
The 1994 World Cup in the US was expected to spark a soccer frenzy, as the largest international tournament for the world’s most popular sport hit American shores. However, despite some interest, it did not catch on as hoped.
While the US has enjoyed some success in attracting players over the years, it has only been recently that the eyes of the world have been on the MLS. David Beckham’s five-year stint at LA Galaxy from 2007 to 2012 was a major draw, and as part of the deal for him to play in the US, he was offered the opportunity to buy an MLS expansion team.
He exercised this right in 2014, with his new Inter Miami team making its MLS debut in 2020. He was able to attract a selection of big-name stars to his team, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi.
As one of the biggest stars that soccer has ever produced, the signing of Messi has been massive for the game in the US, helping with global coverage, attendances, and broadcasting.
Soccer in Nevada
Nevada’s Las Vegas Lights FC currently plays in the USL Championship league and shares an affiliation agreement with MLS side Los Angeles FC. The collaboration began in 2021 and saw technical staff shared between the clubs. This affiliation ended in 2023 after Los Angeles FC 2 were established in the MLS Next Pro. The Las Vegas Lights had been considered as a potential MLS franchise, but were passed over.
Rumours of a new USL League team in Reno have been strong, with the development of a new stadium key to the development.
Nevada’s Previous Attempts to Break into the MLS
It was reported in 2021 that a variety of consortia were keen to bring an MLS franchise to Las Vegas, with names like Wes Edens, the co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Bill Foley, the Vegas Golden Knights owner, and Renaissance Companies, allegedly behind bids.
Beckham’s successful launch of Inter Miami underlines the importance of an attractive location to launch a new MLS team and attract big players, and the lure of Vegas would be massive. Since Inter Miami and Nashville SC launched, they have been joined by Austin FC, Charlotte FC, St. Louis City SC, and newcomers San Diego FC, bringing the MLS up to 30 teams.
Increasing the capacity to 32 teams hasn’t been ruled out, and Las Vegas has the potential and support to be a serious contender if this does happen. A soccer-specific stadium would be a necessity, and any big move might hinge on this, but the potential for a new franchise in the city is exciting for soccer fans in the state.
Conclusion
If the 2026 World Cup can ride the wave that Messi’s arrival in the US has created, the MLS could enjoy a huge surge in popularity, pushing the agenda for another expansion and giving Las Vegas the chance it deserves.
