MLS Commissioner Don Garber Announces Expansion to Austin, TexasMLS Commissioner Don Garber Announces Expansion to Austin, Texas In a landmark moment for soccer in the United States, Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber has officially announced the city of Austin, Texas, as the league’s 28th franchise. The expansion team, set to begin play in 2021, will bring professional soccer to the vibrant capital city of the Lone Star State. “I am thrilled to welcome Austin, Texas, to the MLS family,” said Commissioner Garber. “Austin is a booming, dynamic city with a passionate soccer community that has consistently shown its support for the sport. We are confident that the new club will become an integral part of the Austin landscape and contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States.” The Austin expansion team will play its home matches at a new, state-of-the-art stadium to be built in the city’s McKalla Place development. The stadium, which will seat approximately 20,500 fans, is expected to be completed by 2023. Austin is home to a dedicated soccer fanbase, with several successful youth and amateur soccer clubs operating in the area. The city also has a strong track record of hosting major soccer events, including the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. “We are incredibly excited to bring MLS to Austin,” said Anthony Precourt, owner of the Austin expansion team. “This city has a deep love for soccer, and we believe that our club can become a major force in the league. We are committed to building a world-class team and stadium that will make Austin proud.” The MLS expansion to Austin is expected to have a significant economic impact on the city. The new stadium and team are projected to create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue. “The addition of an MLS club to Austin is a major milestone for our city,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “It will not only enhance our vibrant sports scene but also boost our economy and bring our community together.” The Austin expansion team will join a growing number of MLS clubs in the southern United States, including FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and Nashville SC. The league’s expansion to Austin further demonstrates the increasing popularity of soccer in the United States and the MLS’s commitment to bringing the sport to new markets.