by Charlie O. Mallonee

Major League Soccer has asked three markets to come to their headquarters in New York City on Thursday to make presentations to the expansion committee. Sacramento, Minneapolis and Las Vegas have been invited to the meeting.

The meeting is part of the MLS expansion that will take the league to 24 teams by the end of the decade. Two new teams – New York FC and Orlando City – will begin play in the 2015 season.

Los Angeles FC, Atlanta and Miami are scheduled to enter the league in 2017. The Miami entry is dependent on securing a stadium site. David Beckham is the main figure in the Miami franchise group.

Sacramento, Minneapolis and Las Vegas are believed to vying for a fourth team to begin play in 2017 to bring the league to 20 teams. The Sacramento delegation is headed by Mayor Kevin Johnson and the owners of the Sacramento Republic FC with assistance from the Sacramento Kings organization.

“We look forward to having the opportunity to represent Sacramento in New York City to present to the Major League Soccer Expansion Committee,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. “As part of our presentation we’ll highlight the progress we have made in terms of our three core areas of strength: market, ownership group, and a clear path to a downtown facility. Our group remains singularly focused in our efforts to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Sacramento.”

According to MLS, its Board of Governors will meet on December 6th to further discuss expanding the league.