COMMENTARY | In less time than it takes a women to give birth, Major League Soccer has managed to spawn not one, but three separate soccer franchises.

Now that is an achievement!

New York City F.C. broke the ice in May, shocking the American soccer world with a dream union between two of the most powerful sporting franchises known to man; Manchester City and the New York Yankees. In November, Orlando City was awarded the 21st franchise, marking Major League Soccer’s first foray into the Florida market in 10 years.

This past Tuesday was the pièce de résistance; the return of David Beckham. Like a scene from ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Golden Balls’ handed his rose to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and said ‘I choose you.’

Before you could say “PUSH,” three soccer franchises were born.

Unlike a young babe, MLS franchises do ask to be brought into this world, and in doing so, Daddy-MLS has put together a long-standing four point criteria for granting life.

Here are your requirements:

(1) A committed, financially potent ownership with the proper business model

(2) A stadium (preferably soccer specific) or approved plans for a stadium where ownership controls venue, in

(3) A proper soccer market (geographic location, demographics, support from sponsors, TV interest)

(4) An established fan base.

Have the new teams satisfied their criteria? Let’s take a look:

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