It’s Official: Charlotte Has A Major League Soccer Team
The announcement came Tuesday (12/17) morning. Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, and Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles spoke at the Mint Museum Uptown, confirming that Charlotte will be home to the league’s 30th team.
The Charlotte MLS franchise will begin regular season play in 2021. That should allow enough time to make the necessary adjustments to Bank of America Stadium and decide on a team name.
It’s clear from the video of the announcement below that Tepper is excited about his new $325 million venture. He also had a few choice words about the potential for a rivalry with Atlanta United FC. However, the three most important words for the future of professional soccer in Charlotte are “butts in seats.”