Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California is being lined up as the site for a potential new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, according to a report.
NBC 7 San Diego, citing sources close to the matter, said that an investment group based in the US city has put together a proposal to buy the land on which Qualcomm Stadium sits.
Until recently, Qualcomm Stadium served as the home of NFL American football team the Chargers, which earlier this month confirmed its relocation to Los Angeles.
Although Qualcomm Stadium is still used by NCAA college team the San Diego State Aztecs, it is without a major league tenant and the facility has reportedly attracted interest from would-be investors.
NBC 7 San Diego reports that a group led by FS Investors founder Mike Stone and former Qualcomm chairman Steve Altman are keen on buying the Mission Valley land where Qualcomm Stadium is located. The group reportedly plans on turning the site into a sports and entertainment hub with a new stadium at the centre.
The group owns the exclusive negotiating rights in the San Diego market to MLS and, according to NBC 7 San Diego, will make a formal presentation on the matter later today (Monday).
The Aztecs would share the stadium with a new expansion franchise as part of the proposals, which also include the option to construct an NFL-standard stadium should the league opt to return to San Diego.
Two new franchises will join MLS this year in the shape of Minnesota United and Atlanta United. Los Angeles FC will become the 23rd team in 2018, while plans for a Miami-based franchise are being discussed.
The league is aiming to add two more teams by the 2020 season, with a further two clubs to join at a later date, taking the total number of franchises to 28.
MLS confirmed last month that San Diego was one of 10 markets to have expressed an interest in securing an expansion franchise, along with Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
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