By rssfeeds-admin And so it was Monday night as Mayor Joe Hogsett played host to Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber as the city pursues location of a top flight soccer club franchise for Indianapolis.
Also in attendance in the suite, according to FOX59/CBS4’s newsgathering partner IBJ, were City County Council President Vop Osili, U.S. Sen. Todd Young, IU Soccer Coach Todd Yeagley, top officials from Visit Indy, Indiana Sports Corporation and the Capital Improvement Board as well as representatives from the local sporting entity most likely to be involved in any MLS franchise investment group.
”I think a few of the Pacers Sports and Entertainment personnel came in to say hello to the commissioner because they knew he was in town,” said Hogsett.
For the first time, PS&E has publicly admitted its interest in the push to bring big league soccer to Indy.
“At the city’s request, we are part of conversations about Indianapolis’ pursuit of bringing a Major League Soccer team downtown,” reads a statement from PS&E CEO Mel Raines. “While these discussions are ongoing, we are committed to working with our elected leaders to explore this opportunity. As we have for decades, we will support the city and state to amplify our reputation as a world-class sports, event and entertainment destination.”
Its estimated that an investment group would need to commit $750 million to fund its share of a downtown soccer stadium, build a team and pay a franchise fee to the other MLS investment groups.
MLS owns all the league’s clubs but permits investment groups to participate.
”As I think was announced by Pacers Sports and Entertainment, they are, just like everybody else in Indianapolis, when big projects confront us, everybody kind of comes together and helps in whatever way,” said Hogsett. ”I think they have always taken in interest in whatever things that the city is doing. I certainly made many people aware of my desire to take a leadership role in bringing an MLS franchise to the city, but its not just my decision. It’s the decision of many people and that’s why I’m appreciative of organizations like the Pacers at least lending support.”
Included in the process will be buy in from the Indiana Statehouse.
During a briefing to reflect on the midway point of the 2025 General Assembly, Gov. Mike Braun said the state and the city should not let this opportunity to woo MLS to Indiana to pass.
“I mean, we’re the sports capitol of the country,” said Braun. “We’re a great sports town. It’s a very early part of the conversation. It’ll take a huge investment on the part of a local entrepreneur and finance is my cup of tea. I did it the old-fashioned way by reinvesting every penny and know how to manage it. I know when you need to stick your neck out for something that we surely would want to be a part of. Beyond that, I can tell you our first meeting was yesterday and I think we’d regret it if we don’t find a way to bring MLS to Indiana, Indianapolis.”
Hogsett said the governor has invited him to dinner to talk about the plan.
The State Budget Committee has yet to take up Hogsett’s proposal to establish a Professional Sports Development Area downtown to capture tax revenues from properties under development that would be used to pay off the city’s share of an estimated $220 million soccer stadium on parcels being assembled by the city and PS&E on the east side of downtown.
”We won’t be able to finalize an application until such time that we’re convinced that we can build and finance a soccer stadium,” said the mayor. “That probably will not be until the end of the legislative session.”
In less than a year since his plan was first conceived, Hogsett has now met with Garber three times to gauge MLS sentiment to establishing a franchise in Indy.
“Based on my conversations with the commissioner he is still optimistic about Indianapolis’ chances. He continues to say we are doing the right things,” Hogsett said.
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