MLS In ‘Advanced’ Talks with Minnesota Group, Vikings Out

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Major League Soccer has reached a stage of "advanced discussions" with a group of investors seeking an outdoor stadium for an expansion team in Minnesota, eliminating the Vikings owners who wanted an MLS club to play in the covered NFL venue set to open next year.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber made the announcement Monday. The Vikings followed with a statement, confirming the league has informed them of the plan to pursue a soccer-specific stadium in Minneapolis.

Minnesota has not been selected yet. Sacramento, California, is the other competitor to become the league's 24th franchise. Garber said the MLS is still on track to choose its newest city in four-to-six weeks.