Beckham to discuss effort to bring team to Miami

MIAMI — David Beckham will take part in a news conference Wednesday to discuss his progress in trying to bring a Major League Soccer expansion team to Miami.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta.

Expansion in Miami is contingent on securing a financing plan and location for a new stadium. Beckham has scouted possible sites and is seeking investors to assist with startup costs such as stadium construction and player acquisitions.

Among those who might become involved is Beckham's friend LeBron James, who has had recent conversations with the retired football star about bringing a team to Miami.

"It's looking very promising," James said Monday. "Hopefully they can go in the right direction as we all planned. It's a great place for soccer."

MLS's Miami Fusion played in Fort Lauderdale from 1998-01 before folding because of poor attendance.