Tuesday, 19th November, 2013
David Beckham's proposed Major League Soccer franchise in Miami will have some top-notch backing as basketball star LeBron James confirmed talks were under way for a share.
Beckham is keen to open an MLS franchise, something deemed part of his LA Galaxy contract, and South Florida is tipped as the preferred destination.
James is a star for the Miami Heat basketball team, and already owns a stake in Liverpool through the Fenway Sports Group.
Beckham's years playing in the MLS saw him take an interest in basketball – he was regularly seen at games – and the financial partnership with James could have a profound impact.
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"There’s some interest on both sides", James told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years.
"I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure. There’s interest on both sides but it’s preliminary talks.
"The research is still being made out. I think it could be huge. You never know. I think this is a great town for soccer.
"There’s a lot of soccer players, there’s great youth soccer players here and people love the city as well. That definitely would help.”
"I’ve grown a great interest in watching the game and learning the guys. It’s a pretty intense sport. I’ve grown to the point where I know exactly what’s going on when I’m watching the game."
The last football team to call Miami their base was the Miami Fusion though they folded due to low attendances and financial problems.
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