MLS momentum? League commissioner recently visited Charlotte, Panthers execs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The commissioner of Major League Soccer met with Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and other executives in August in Charlotte, the Panthers confirmed to the Charlotte Business Journal on Wednesday.

It’s the latest step in Tepper’s campaign to add an MLS club to his portfolio. Tepper bought the Panthers for $2.275 billion in July 2018 and, two months prior, when owners approved the sale, he told reporters an expansion soccer team could be a good addition for the Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles confirmed to CBJ on Wednesday afternoon that she met with Garber while he was in town, along with center city advocates and local business executives.

“I talked with him about how great Charlotte is as a growing city and at attracting millennials,” Lyles said, referring to the young professionals who increasingly make up for a larger portion of MLS fans and ticket-buyers.

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