Mesa Aims for Major League Soccer: Mayor Sparks Excitement for New Franchise

In a bold initiative that could reshape the sports landscape in the East Valley, Mesa Mayor John Giles is taking steps to attract a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to the city. As he prepares to leave office after a decade of service, Giles shared with The Arizona Republic that he has been in talks with league officials, potential investors, and developers over the past several months, exploring the possibilities of establishing a soccer franchise in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing cities. Mesa, with a population exceeding 511,000, is the third-largest city in Arizona. It boasts a significant soccer fan base, bolstered by a successful lower-league team, Phoenix Rising FC, which recently captured a national championship. The city has two potential sites for a soccer stadium, one being the redevelopment of the former Fiesta Mall and the other an old gravel pit on a 200-acre tract near Alma School Road and Loop 202. While discussions are still in their infancy, the prospect of a professional soccer team has garnered attention from local officials and the community alike. Giles has indicated that all options are on the table, including forming a new team, relocating an existing franchise, or elevating the Phoenix Rising to MLS status. However, the timeline for such an endeavor remains uncertain; the league has no immediate expansion plans and typically takes years to review applications. The last MLS expansion process took four years to finalize the 30th team. Mesa’s growth and demographic landscape make it an attractive candidate for a professional soccer franchise. The East Valley has been identified as an underserved area concerning major sports venues, with a diverse population that has shown increasing interest in soccer. A large portion of Mesa’s demographic is Latino, enhancing the appeal for soccer as a cultural staple. Local city officials have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that a substantial market exists for season tickets and fan engagement in the area. Building a stadium, however, poses significant financial challenges. Recent legislative action in Arizona has made it easier to fund a stadium development, with Governor Katie Hobbs signing a bill that may offer financial support for such projects. Real estate developer Nick Sakiewicz, a founding executive of MLS, expressed support for Mesa’s ambitions and noted that the new state law could provide a competitive edge for the city in the race for an MLS team. Despite the enthusiasm, the MLS remains cautious about further expansion. League spokesperson Dan Courtemanche acknowledged the growing demand for clubs but reiterated that the league is focused on maintaining its 30-team structure for the time being. Successful expansion bids require strong community and political backing, a solid stadium plan, and a committed ownership group—all elements that Mesa appears to be cultivating. Financial considerations are another hurdle that cannot be overlooked. The reported expansion fees for MLS teams have skyrocketed to nine figures, with new franchises in recent years paying anywhere from $200 million to $500 million. Additionally, the unique climate in Arizona poses an additional challenge, necessitating climate-controlled stadiums equipped with roofs to accommodate the summertime heat during the MLS season. Current contenders for MLS expansion include Indianapolis and Las Vegas, while cities such as Sacramento and Phoenix have previously pursued teams without success. Mesa will need to navigate a competitive landscape filled with cities vying for a similar opportunity. As Mesa embarks on this ambitious journey, the potential for a Major League Soccer team could significantly enhance the city's identity as a sports hub and provide a much-needed venue for soccer enthusiasts. With strong political support and a dedicated fan base, the dream of bringing MLS to Mesa is not just a vision of the outgoing mayor but a burgeoning hope for a community ready to embrace the beautiful game on a larger scale.