Thought this graphic I made might be interesting to some folks here.



Inspired by this: https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful.../#lightbox

Venn diagram base from here: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c...iagram.svg

It's definitely a cool graphic

Findings:
MLB has no exclusive cities
I guess I never really realized Minnesota has all 5. I wonder what makes Minneapolis such a prime target for expansion
Phoenix had 4 till they lost the Coyotes. But they still wouldn't have had 5 b/c no MLS. I'm surprised they don't have MLS w/ MLS targeting southern cities
I think Seattle is the city most likely to get all 5 next

What do you see from the graphic?

(01-24-2026 10:41 AM)Bronco14 Wrote:  It's definitely a cool graphic

Findings:
MLB has no exclusive cities
I guess I never really realized Minnesota has all 5. I wonder what makes Minneapolis such a prime target for expansion
Phoenix had 4 till they lost the Coyotes. But they still wouldn't have had 5 b/c no MLS. I'm surprised they don't have MLS w/ MLS targeting southern cities
I think Seattle is the city most likely to get all 5 next

What do you see from the graphic?

The Twin Cities have always had a strong hockey culture, and professional soccer has always been strong there as Minnesota United existed (under various names) long before it was a MLS team. It being the largest metro area for hundreds of miles also helped. The various suburbs of the Twin Cities were willing to put up money to lure teams there in decades past when land was plentiful and cheap.

Phoenix will probably have MLS one day, especially now with calendar switch, but at the end of the day MLS has to have a financial viable ownership group. The ownership of USL's Phoenix Rising allegedly is not in a position to do this.

Agree that Seattle is likely next when ever the NBA decides to expand. I also would not rule out Detroit as MLS has been eyeing the Detroit market for years: it would likely mean Detroit City FC ownership moving on form the USL and bringing their stadium (under construction) with them. I almost want to see that happen just to see the meltdown from their supporters' groups, who have been very outspoken against MLS.

Phoenix having MLS seems like a slam dunk. Large market and the Latino community is sizable which helps any local soccer franchise. I know MLS wants billionaire owners these days, but I'm honestly surprised Phoenix wasn't tapped many years ago when the expansion fees were cheaper.

Rumor was that Atlanta and Houston would be the next cities to get NHL franchises.

I'm not surprised MLB has no unique markets. I think the study done years ago concluded an MLB franchise required the highest level of wealth to operate compared to all the other pro sports.

(01-28-2026 11:29 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  Phoenix having MLS seems like a slam dunk. Large market and the Latino community is sizable which helps any local soccer franchise. I know MLS wants billionaire owners these days, but I'm honestly surprised Phoenix wasn't tapped many years ago when the expansion fees were cheaper.

With MLS playing during the summer, Phoenix needs an indoor stadium. Obviously the USL's Rising can make it work playing outdoors, but MLS requires a substantially higher level of investment in both talent and facilities. It's not even a given Phoenix will be in USL Premier, which officially will be on the same tier as MLS.

Here's a variant that excludes the CFL: