Soccer league gaining respectability

ATLANTA — There was a time when Major League Soccer depended on a shortlist of marquee names to generate excitement about a match.

A David Beckham, Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.

Times are changing. Since its inaugural season in 1996, the league has gained respect around the world and MLS continues to expand its footprint on the global soccer stage.

The league started with 10 clubs in 1996, but now consists of 22 and its goal is to have 28. Atlanta United and Minnesota United are in their first seasons, Los Angeles FC is set to join in 2018 and a Beckham-owned Miami franchise is nearing a deal and could start play in 2020.

Twelve locations are competing for four expansion bids, two of which are expected to be announced later this year. Bob Funk Jr. and Tim McLaughlin have also declared their intent to lead an Oklahoma City bid for MLS expansion once those four expansion bids are filled.

The value of clubs also is soaring. The average MLS club was valued at $185 million in 2016 by Forbes, a 400 percent increase since 2008.

Still, there’s no question the league is in a better place than it was when a 31-year-old Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy from Real Madrid. Teams no longer necessarily look for quick fixes that a big name can provide.

They are signing young designated players and focusing on development academies.