MLS took another step toward putting its 20th team in New York City this week when plans to build a soccer-specific stadium in Queens were made public this week. League officials have already shown plans for a 20,000- to 25,000-seat facility that would be located near the USTA tennis facility in Flushing Meadows, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"We are thrilled about the prospect of being in Queens and bringing the world's sport to the world's park. We…look forward to working with the community to build a world class soccer facility for all to enjoy," a spokeswoman for the league said.
League officials have not been shy about making their desire to put the next expansion team inside the New York City limits. Although the team has not yet been named, many expect it to be called the New York Cosmos.
While the New York Red Bulls already give the league a foothold in the area, there is a firmly held belief that residents of the five boroughs are reluctant to travel outside of the city for games on a regular basis. This new team would be directly aimed at that market.
Exact plans are still very much unclear, but league officials have previously indicated that they want to get stadium plans finalized and then try to sell that along with the rights for a expansion team for as much as $100 million.