David Beckham’s Miami-based MLS team edges closer after city officials approve land deal

David Beckham’s hopes of launching a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami took a giant step towards becoming reality on Tuesday after city officials approved the sale of land crucial to a proposed stadium project.

Miami-Dade County commissioners voted by 9-4 to approve the transfer of a three-acre parcel of land worth US$9 million to Beckham’s consortium, which reportedly hopes to launch its MLS team by 2021.

Beckham’s group had already purchased six acres of land next to the site for some US$19 million in Miami’s Overtown district.

“We look forward to working with the Miami community to bring our vision for the neighbourhood to life,” Miami Beckham United said in a statement, describing the deal as a “major milestone” towards its MLS team.

“Our loyal fans in Miami and around the world have been waiting for this moment for years, and we’re thrilled that we’re getting closer to our kick-off.”

The group hopes to build a 25,000-seat stadium on the site. Beckham’s group has said the cost of the stadium, which still needs to be approved by city planners, will be met by private investors with no public funds being used in its construction.