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### So what's the next step for UM and MLS? City manager Danny Alfonso said both sides will draw up a non-binding letter of intent in the coming days to build a stadium on the site next to Marlins Park.
Alfonso said negotiations will then begin between David Beckham's group and the city. One key point that must be resolved: how and how much Beckham's group will compensate the city for using what's primarily city land for the stadium.
Alfonso said Beckham's group reiterated today that it will pay for construction and also buy out a few private landowners who have property on the proposed stadium site.
As for UM's potential involvement, here's what we wrote in our last post a few hours ago in case you missed it (if you already read it, please scroll down to next item):
David Beckham’s group announced today that it is moving forward with plans for a 25,000-seat soccer stadium near Marlins Park and that UM is not involved “at this time” but that it is still talking to UM and open to more discussions in the future.
So why has the UM/Beckham joint stadium not materialized?
Stadium size appears to be the biggest obstacle.
According to a source close to MLS, when MLS and UM have spoken in recent weeks, MLS has made clear that a 25,000-seat stadium works best for MLS.
UM has responded that it must have at least 40,000 seats in any stadium that it plays in. MLS has hasn’t gone as far as to tell UM that 40,000 isn’t do-able but has been non-committal on the topic. And Friday’s announcement reinforces Beckham’s desire for 25,000 seats.
“As I’ve said before, there isn’t a stadium option I would see working for our program that would have less than 40,000 seats,” UM athletic director Blake James said Friday.
Asked his reaction to MLS saying it plans to build a stadium and is moving forward without UM for now, James said: “It’s an exciting day for soccer fans in the South Florida area. I congratulate them on moving forward. With that said, we are in a contract with Sun Life Stadium and are excited to open our season there on Sept. 5, in many ways in a brand new stadium that will enhance our fan experience.”
Would James have interest in continuing to talk to MLS about a joint MLS/UM football stadium?
“I will always keep all options open,” James said. “My preference is for the University of Miami to have the best home for football and right now that is Sun Life Stadium.”
Though an MLS source said Beckham’s group would like UM to contribute toward construction costs, a source said Beckham’s group has never made a specific financial request to UM or even given UM any specific proposal for a 40,000-seat stadium.
One possibility: Build a 25,000-seat stadium now with the potential to make it 40,000 later.
Even if MLS and UM could resolve the stadium size, UM’s lease with Sun Life is another significant obstacle.
UM has 17 years on the lease, and the Dolphins are of the mindset to ask UM for a financial buyout if they tried to bolt, according to a source with direct knowledge. The Dolphins were not pleased when former president Donna Shalala said she wants to leave Sun Life Stadium.
So even though UM and MLS have stayed in contact in recent weeks, talks have not progressed to the stage of negotiations.
Beckham’s group hopes to be playing here in 2018.
