Major League Soccer have revised their expansion plans by announcing that it hopes to have 30 teams in the near future. The decision was made by owners at a board of governors meetings in Los Angeles, which will see the league’s 28^th and 29^th franchises required to pay a $200 million expansion fee. While no decision has been made on future expansion markets, Sacramento and St. Louis are said to be in exclusive discussions with the Commissioner’s office. Just four years ago, Major League Soccer set a target of 28 franchises, and the rapid growth and interest from markets is encouraging. But, where does it stop? How many teams can the league sustain, before promotion/relegation talks intensify? 

St. Louis are pushing hard for a Major League Soccer expansion team, and to strengthen their case, the city and clubs bid team released a set of renderings for their proposed new stadium. Images of the interior for the planned 22,500 capacity stadium, which could be expanded to 25,500, can be seen on their website, MLS4theLou.com. The proposed stadium plans include a promise that every seat will be within 120 feet of the pitch, as well as a translucent canopy that will provide cover for the fans while allowing light to reach the field. With MLS Commissioner Don Garber unveiling plans to expand the league to 30 teams, St. Louis will have to fight off a number of other interested parties for the final three spots.