MLS names four finalists for its next two expansion teams

Major League Soccer announced the finalists for its next two expansion slots Wednesday. Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, and Sacramento were chosen among the 12 ownership groups to submit expansion applications earlier this year.

The four finalists will make their formal presentations to league commissioner Don Garber and the Expansion Committee in New York on Dec. 6, with a decision expected by the year’s end.

While only Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, and Sacramento are being considered for the next coupling of expansion teams, the other eight to submit applications (Charlotte, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg) remain under consideration for the 27th and 28th spots in MLS.

Los Angeles Football Club — team no. 23 — is set for its debut season in 2018, while David Beckham’s investment group continues to work out the logistics in bringing an MLS franchise to Miami, amidst doubts of it ever coming to fruition.