David Beckham and Partners Make Downpayment to Miami-Dade To Complete Overtown Stadium Assemblage

David Beckham and his partners have made a $450,000 downpayment to Miami-Dade ahead of their September 10th deadline as they move to complete the purchase of the final 3 acres of their 9 acre assemblage in Overtown to bring Miami their future MLS stadium and inaugural franchise. Beckham and his partners are looking to finalize the purchase of the final 3 acres of land currently owned by Miami-Dade via the Water and Sewer Department adjacent to the 6 acres already owned by Beckham. Beckham will not ask for local subsidies to either build or operate the stadium. They also have said they plan to pay full property tax on the land as well as the venue. On December 4, 2015 Beckham and his partners announced that they had executed sales contracts on a nine-acre property in Overtown which was formerly a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer truck depot. Beckham was originally given the option to purchase an MLS franchise when he signed with the L.A. Galaxy in 2007.

Last month we reported that Bruce Matheson had filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County, challenging the future use of the land on the basis of its acquisition. Matheson's suit aims to stop the $9 million sale of 3 acres which was sold based on the state of Florida's Economic-Development Law as a no-bid sale and was never offered to other buyers. Matheson has historically been opposed to sport and recreation in Miami, putting the future of the Miami Open in limbo by blocking an expansion to the stadium on Key Biscayne. Miami city officials allege that Matheson's goals seem to be to drive professional sports out of Miami. County commissioners originally approved the sale on June 6 (2017)  and Beckham received league approval to officially launch Miami's franchise in August (2017). A hearing is scheduled for October 2017.

Lawsuit Filed Against David Beckham & Miami's Proposed Overtown MLS Stadium

Despite the success of El Clasico Miami, yet another delay has hit David Beckham and Miami's future MLS stadium which has been proposed in Overtown. Bruce Matheson has filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County, challenging the future use of the land on the basis of its acquisition. Matheson's suit aims to stop a $9 million sale of 3 acres as part of the assemblage, which was sold based on the state of Florida's Economic-Development Law as a no-bid sale and was never offered to other buyers. Bruce Matheson has previously blocked the expansion of the Miami Open on Key Biscayne and his antics have begun to frustrate city officials who allege that Matheson's goals seem to be to drive professional sports out of Miami. County commissioners originally approved the sale on June 6 and Beckham expects to receive league approval to officially launch Miami's franchise in August (2017).

David Beckham & Miami Beckham United to Make Major Announcement on MLS Franchise by End of 2016

Photo via Miami Herald

David Beckham is pushing on in his quest to bring an MLS team to Miami and it seems that the potential new team's inaugural season may be 2019. Miami Beckham United, the corporate entity owned by Beckham and his partners, aims to make a major announcement by year end. Delays have come from continued negotiations from investor groups, including with the Milwaukee Bucks co-owner. Miami Beckham United will not ask for local subsidies to either build or operate the stadium. They also have said they plan to pay full property tax on the land as well as the venue. On December 4 2015 Miami Beckham United announced that they had executed sales contracts on a nine-acre property in Overtown which was formerlly a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer truck depot. They have been opposed to starting the team in a temporary stadium in favor of the 25,000 seat home stadium. Beckham was originally given the option to purchase an MLS franchise when he signed with the L.A. Galaxy in 2007. He had originally sought to bring the team to Port of Miami next to American Airlines Arena as well as in Little Havana next tot Marlins Park. Talks for both scenarios broke down.