Chivas USA to halt operations

http://www.espnfc.com/league-name/story/2061689/headline

Still think it's a mistake to have two teams.

 

I hadn't heard about this, but it makes sense. The club needs a complete overhaul. And if you're going to do it, do it right, even if it means suspending operations for a couple years. I'm particularly fascinated by the Chivas story for a number of reasons...for starters, it's a window into the peculiar, labyrinthine economics of MLS.

It also speaks to the sports/entertainment/cultural landscape here in Los Angeles. As someone who's a dedicated fan of the sport and who makes a living in entertainment marketing, I'm intrigued to watch the rebrand take place. The Exposition Park stadium concept has some merits, certainly, but also sparks some doubts. The area is undoubtedly a bit dodgy...except on USC gamedays when it's most decidedly dodgy. But a new soccer-specific stadium could breathe new life into the area.

I have selfish reasons, too, for wanting to see a successful rebrand, not least of which is that I'm a Galaxy fan entirely by default and would very happily welcome a different club to support. That said, I fully appreciate the the absurdity of wishing for a new team, just a few miles closer and without the generally obnoxious aura of Galaxy superiority, when so many others (including those here) would gladly welcome their first MLS franchise.

 

Sacramento Republic FC just finished their inaugural season by winning the USL Pro (3rd division) championship. They led the league in attendance, including a couple of sellouts at 20,000 seat Hughes Satdium while their home field was under construction. That stadium holds 8000, but there are plans for a larger downtown stadium near the new arena that's under construction for the Kings. Pretty damn good for an expansion team.

I'd like to see Chivas move up here. Sure it's a smaller market but the team wouldn't be lost in the shuffle the way they were in LA.

 

I think a team with a downtown stadium could work, but I don't see a downtown stadium coming soon anytime in the near future.

 

I agree that I just don't see a stadium getting built, but if some billionaire group wants to do it who knows. The Stubhub Center opened in what? 2003, 2004?

What bothers me is this obsession by the MLS with the thought that there has to be 2 teams in NY and LA. The league is growing for sure in popularity, but there isn't enough of a fan base to support 2 teams. NYFC should get off to a good start, but for how long? Anytime you see highlights of a Red Bulls home game, the place looks pretty empty. You don't have to be in the same city to have great Derby matches.

 

*

* See Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, San Jose and L.A.

L.A. doesn't need a second MLS club when a number of cities would rabidly support such a franchise.

 

Per Grant Wahl, the most likely new owners are a group headed by venture capitalist Henry Nguyen, also including Peter Guber (movie executive/producer and part owner of the Dodgers and GS Warriors), a former NBA exec named Tom Penn and...Vincent Tan. Yes, Vincent Tan.

It will be an expansion franchise with a $100 million+ fee. It will apparently have no connection/ties to the existing Chivas entity, which will cease to exist. Downtown and Inglewood (near Hollywood Park and the Forum) are in consideration for the new stadium

http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-fut...cent-tan-henry-nguyen-peter-guber-tom-penn-la

Don't know anything about Nguyen. But Guber's a savvy businessman who's been around LA sports/entertainment forever. Vincent Tan's a bit of a head-scratcher.