Indianapolis to seek MLS expansion team

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett made a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday as he revealed the city’s pursuit of a Major League Soccer expansion team. This move could potentially jeopardize the development plans for Eleven Park, a more than $1 billion mixed-use project centered around an Indy Eleven soccer stadium.

During a press conference, Mayor Hogsett disclosed that his team had submitted a proposal to the Metropolitan Development Commission for the creation of a new professional sports development area in Downtown Indianapolis. This proposal includes plans for a soccer stadium near the Downtown Transit Center, along with details about a prospective ownership group and public funding mechanisms.

City officials have kept the identity of the potential team owners under wraps, but they did mention that an ownership group led by an experienced sports executive is forming to help cover the club’s franchise fee. The San Diego Football Club, set to become the 30th MLS team in 2025, paid a $500 million expansion fee.

Mayor Hogsett emphasized Indianapolis’ history of successful sports ventures and collaborations, highlighting the city’s ability to articulate a common vision and garner support from both corporate and community entities. He flew to New York City to discuss the prospect of an MLS team coming to Indianapolis with Commissioner Dan Garber.

The proposed Professional Sports Development Area would serve as an alternative to the existing plan for Eleven Park and Indy Eleven. The resolution will be discussed at the next Metropolitan Development Commission meeting before heading to the Indianapolis City-Council for approval. The final decision on the stadium’s location will be made by the team owners, with 355 E. Pearl St. identified as a potential site.

As the city gears up to compete for an MLS franchise, the future of Indy Eleven and the Eleven Park development remains uncertain. City officials and Keystone Group, the developer behind Eleven Park, have differing perspectives on the situation, with negotiations ongoing to determine the best path forward for professional soccer in Indianapolis.