MLS confirms expansion to 28 teams

Major League Soccer has confirmed that it plans to expand its league to 28 teams in the coming years.

The league currently has 20 teams but will expand to 22 next year with the arrivals of Atlanta United and Minnesota United.

A 23rd team, Los Angeles FC, will follow in 2018, while the 24th spot has been earmarked for David Beckham's mooted Miami-based team, which is still awaiting approval pending a greenlight for its stadium.

In a press conference on Thursday, MLS commissioner Don Garber revealed that it would award franchises to a 25th and 26th team next year in time for the 2020 season, with two more spots expected to follow at some point in the near future.

Ten cities are competing for the 25th and 26th spots in the league - Cincinnati, Charlotte, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg - and will have until the end of January to submit in-depth proposals to the MLS.