This afternoon, I had a lengthy conversation with a well-placed source that indicated that following yesterday’s unanimous Miami-Dade County Commission vote, the ownership group of a potential Miami MLS franchise that is fronted by David Beckham could make an announcement before the end of December as to the group’s plans. This confirms the published reports we have seen elsewhere regarding the timeline for the announcement.

The group has narrowed its search for stadium locations to a few sites including:

Watson Island (Port of Miami),
Downtown Miami,
Midtown Miami,
Miami Beach and
possibly a location further west.

The Downtown location would be adjacent in some way to the American Airlines Arena. Several locations have been scouted in Midtown, an area which would be accessible via Interstate 95 to Miami Beach. Miami Beach, I am told is trickier but that a plot of land is potentially available close to the hot spots of South Beach.

What can be confirmed is that locations in southwest Miami-Dade and in Broward County have been eliminated. The speculation that a stadium would be built on the location of Tropical Park in Olympia Heights has no merit per my source. Stadium locations in Northeast Miami-Dade and Broward County will not be considered I am also advised.

Stay tuned to World Soccer Talk for the latest news regarding the Beckham MLS franchise in the coming days.