Where Panthers' push to bring MLS to Charlotte stands

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers made their pitch to Major League Soccer on Monday and soon they will do it all over again. Nothing was decided, but Panthers executives are prepping for round two as part of the MLS All-Star Game later this month.

[Hopeful Charlotte reps meet with MLS brass about expansion]

Panthers owner David Tepper and team President Tom Glick led a small group to MLS headquarters in New York as part of a ramped-up campaign to put a team in Bank of America Stadium. MLS said in April that it would select two expansion cities by July 31. After that, one more expansion spot — the league’s 30th — will be named at an as yet undetermined time and for an undetermined amount.

St. Louis and Sacramento, California, are expected to land the two slots being decided this month. Charlotte is trying to nab the next spot, though Tepper would be happy to jump ahead of his competitors, if possible.

“We had a productive meeting and appreciate the opportunity to present an update,” a Panthers spokesman told CBJ this week. “We’re optimistic about the process and confident that Major League Soccer would thrive in Charlotte. We look forward to continuing the conversation.”

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