David Beckham considers new proposal in Miami MLS team bid

Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2015 by skysports.com

David Beckham fronts a consortium aiming to start an MLS team in Miami

David Beckham is considering a proposal to build a sports high school at a new football stadium in Miami as part of his mission to found a Major League Soccer team in the city.

The former England international's consortium, named Miami Beckham United, is discussing a proposal by Miami's public education authority under which "Beckham High" would be part of the stadium development on a city-owned site.

Beckham's team would gain use of the land and an exemption from county property taxes, paying the city $850,000 (£555,400) a year over 60 years for a total of $51m (£33.3m).

The deal would also allow Miami's public school system, America's fourth largest, to use the stadium for graduation ceremonies and other events.

"I can say the concept of a 'Beckham High' resonates quite strongly with me," said schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

"The idea of a partnership between Miami Beckham United, the city, county and school system benefiting children across Miami-Dade is exciting, but we have a great deal of details to iron out before an agreement is finalised," said Beckham spokesman Tadd Schwartz.

Beckham chose Miami nearly two years ago as he exercised an option in his MLS contract from his time with LA Galaxy to own a franchise.

However, he and his investors have struggled to find political support to secure a site for a $250m (£163.4m), 30,000-seat stadium.

The consortium has said it will privately finance the stadium construction but is looking for a bargain on public land.

Last week Beckham's group and the school district began hashing out details for the site just west of Miami's downtown, which would sit adjacent to the Miami Marlins baseball park in the Little Havana area.

The 20-team MLS plans to grow to 24 by 2020 with expansion teams already announced for Minnesota, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.