Soccer Fever Spreads: New State Eyes Stadium Dreams as MLS and NWSL Expansion Race Heats Up
Major League Soccer currently features the world's biggest top-tier division, yet the league continues to draw attention from numerous cities throughout the United States.
Mesa, Arizona, has become the most recent city to express enthusiasm for establishing a franchise in their region after the Mesa City Council gave approval for creating the Palo District as part of efforts to lure both an MLS franchise and a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team to the location.
This district would align with the pattern of entertainment complexes and sporting venues, taking over the former site of the 80-acre Fiesta Mall, which began demolition in 2023. The property has remained empty since 2019, and Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman indicated that the city aims to bring franchises from both leagues to the region.
"The Phoenix metro region presents an excellent opportunity for this, and we're prepared and eager to pursue them," Mayor Mark Freeman informed 12News. "MLS, women's soccer… and there might be additional sports facilities too."
The venue would serve multiple purposes, with its capacity still to be decided, and the surrounding area would include dining establishments, shopping, hotels, office buildings and housing.
Earlier, former Mesa Mayor John Giles expressed comparable aspirations of securing an MLS and NWSL franchise for the city, which, based on the 2020 U.S. census, contains a population of 504,258. Considering the city's size, it would be among MLS's smaller markets, though it would exceed the 309,317 residents of Cincinnati who consistently fill TQL Stadium to its 26,000-seat capacity.
NWSL Pursuing Growth
Although the proposal received swift approval during a November session and the location will benefit from special tax incentives, neither league is guaranteed to consider expanding to the region. Multiple MLS franchises, nevertheless, might be candidates for relocation if they fail to achieve their anticipated success in current markets.
The NWSL presents a more achievable target, as the league plans to grow to 18 franchises by 2028.
Additional challenges that might affect Mesa's ambitions include decisions about constructing a climate-controlled facility. Giles previously mentioned that the venue would require indoor conditions due to the region's extreme summer heat. However, MLS's transition from a summer-focused calendar to winter play beginning in 2027-28 might provide more suitable weather conditions for the city. The 14-team NWSL, though, has no immediate plans for schedule changes.
If the city secures an expansion opportunity in either league, it would face substantial costs. San Diego FC, the newest MLS expansion team, paid $500 million in expansion fees to begin play in 2025, while Atlanta's NWSL club, launching in 2028, paid $165 million.
The property designated for the new stadium and entertainment complex is currently held by Verde Investments, a real estate company owned by Ernest Garcia II, whose estimated wealth of $23.1 billion makes him Arizona's richest individual.