MLS Considers folding some Teams
Dec 17, 2001 -
© Jamie Trecker SportsTicker Contributing Editor
Selling the franchise was a major goal for Garber, who has been unable to unload any of the league-operated teams (San Jose, Tampa, Dallas). The Fusion's shuttering would come as a bigger surprise. Horowitz made his cash call to the league to cover losses earlier this year but has been vocal about his displeasure for covering mounting losses. Horowitz, a millionaire who made his fortune in the cellular phone industry, has taken heavy personal losses with the team and in the market downturn. According to team sources, he has spent $40 million in excess of the $20 million purchase price of the team over the past few seasons. However, attendance at the Fusion is up almost 50 percent and ticket sales for next season have been strong. The Fusion also has what MLS has long championed as the ideal formula: a small stadium, an exciting style of play under coach Ray Hudson, and a passionate fan base. It is unclear whether Horowitz will remain in the MLS mix should his team be folded. He is on the expansion committee and could look to purchase a franchise elsewhere in the United States. In related news, the Chicago Fire's existence was thrown into question this week as well, as Comiskey Park formally denied the team's request to play 14 home games at the stadium next season.
The copyright of the article MLS Considers folding some Teams in Major League Soccer is owned by Jamie Trecker SportsTicker Contributing Editor. Permission to republish MLS Considers folding some Teams in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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