Detroit needs n MLS team.
Detroit is not seen as a great market for sports teams. NOt when professional athletes would rather take their talent to a city like Miami, New York, or Los Angeles. In fact, multiple athletes have threatened to retire or not sign with a professional Detroit team. Unless someone lives in the state of Michigan, or there on the Detroit Lions bandwagon, they probably won’t care so much about Detroit teams. It makes sense, why would you pay attention to teams that haven’t been the best for the past couple of decades? But teams like the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings can put Detroit sports on the map again. Detroit has a professional team for every large market (NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB). But something else is on the rise.
The popularity of soccer in the United States has grown astronomically over the past few years. And there are very evident reasons why. In the winter of 2022, the Men’s U.S. National Soccer team participated in the FIFA World Cup, making it past the Group Stages, but failing to advance in the Round of 16, losing 3-1. But it’s not just the men’s team. The Women’s U.S. National team is a powerhouse on the national and Olympic stage. The women’s team has medaled in every Women’s World Cup and Olympic tournament in women’s soccer except for the 2016 Olympic tournament and 2023 Women’s World Cup
Even without an MLS team Detroit soccer is om the rise. Detroit City F.C. is a soccer club that plays in the USL Championship, a soccer league under Major League Soccer (MLS). Detroit City F.C. was founded in 2012, and it was all up from there. Slowly, Detroit City dominated the leagues they competed in, being “promoted” all the way to the USL Championship. Detroit City plays their matches at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. If the MLS had a relegation and promotion system like many European leagues have, I’m sure Detroit would make it to the MLS. But due to regulations set in place by the MLS, the fans need to wait for an MLS team in Detroit.
The MLS has looked at Detroit for an expansion team but have ultimately decided on teams in Austin, Charlotte, and most recently San Diego. Detroit ultimately lost its spot in the MLS because the investors didn’t want to build a soccer-specific stadium, rather preferring to play matches in Ford Field.
Detroit needs an MLS team, and it needs to happen sooner than later. The fans would love it, and it would be great for the city and MLS.
Speller • May 15, 2024 at 12:46 am
* they’re on the Detroit bandwagon
T • May 4, 2024 at 6:32 pm
Saying “Detroit needs a professional soccer team” is bad since DCFC is a pro team. Just the same as the Mud Hens are a professional team just a lower level. Also, MLS has not looked at DCFC as an expansion team. They have looked at Detroit as an expansion city with the most recent combined bid by Dan Gilbert and the Ford Family being turned down. The current DCFC base of support don’t really support MLS and the ownership doesn’t have any intention of selling to someone rich enough to finance the team going to MLS.
Steven • May 20, 2024 at 1:46 pm
If Cincy FC can be ‘promoted,’ why can’t they do the same with Detroit FC? Billionaires don’t necessarily think this way, but I would love for them to help and share in, in already existing community of soccer.