News broke Tuesday that Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has partnered with Cleveland Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert in an effort to bring Major League Soccer to the Motor City.
The combination of Gores and Gilbert brings two Michigan State alums together in a sports and business partnership supported by MLS commissioner Don Garber, who wants to see the league expand clubs.
“Detroit is rising and we know firsthand the power of sports to lift a community and drive a civic renaissance,” the duo said in a joint statement released Tuesday. “We are very excited about the prospect of bringing Major League Soccer to Detroit and building an ownership group that represents a cross-section of investors.”
Garber will be in Detroit this week to speak with the potential ownership group, a meeting that would also include details on a downtown stadium.
“I’ve always believed a sports franchise is a community asset with the power to unite and inspire people,” said Gores. “I’m excited to partner with Dan and help in Detroit’s resurgence. Together we have all the tools we need to make a new team successful.”
Soccer has seen it’s popularity skyrocket in the Detroit area thanks to events such as the International Champions Cup hosting big-time European matches at the Big House in Ann Arbor – which returns this summer to Michigan Stadium – and grassroots organizations, such as Detroit City FC.
Detroit City FC was founded five years ago as a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and has built a massive following in the area thanks to involvement in the community and the supporter culture for soccer. The ownership group for DCFC released a statement in response to Gores and Gilbert’s Tuesday, stating they have had initial meetings with interested parties in brining MLS to Detroit.
The club states that they hope conversations continue and say that DCFC is proof that after 40 years of clubs trying to establish themselves in Detroit, soccer can thrive if done properly.
Over five years, Detroit City FC has become a mainstay in southeast Michigan soccer in-large part due to community involvement and supporters. Since 2012, DCFC has:
- Invested nearly $1 million into the renovation of Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck with the help of the largest community investment in state history.
- Contributed thousands of dollars to support youth soccer in the area.
- Created an exciting atmosphere in Detroit sports with a winning team.
- Developed a brand that is recognized by soccer fans across the world.
- Fostered one of the most active, creative and loyal supporter groups in the US.
- Been profiled by national and international media as one of the most compelling stories in US soccer with fans tuning in to live streams from over 50 countries.
While brining an MLS team to downtown Detroit has been discussed before, it seems that it could become a reality in a few short years. Detroit City FC appears to be supportive, and perhaps they could be the club to earn the call up. With an established presence in the city and a hyper-loyal support group, it would be a natural fit for the MLS.
FEEDBACK: – What do you think? Will the pairing of Tom Gores and Dan Gilbert found their own MLS team or could they join forces with the Detroit City FC bosses to move an established NPSL club on up?
