David Beckham, LeBron James In Talks To Bring MLS Franchise To Miami

Though the main focus for LeBron James remains on basketball, the four-time NBA MVP and two-time champion has visions of starting a Major League Soccer franchise while also partnering with one of the biggest stars the game of soccer has seen in recent time. Interested in the possibility of bringing an MLS team to South Florida, ESPN reports that James and former international soccer sensation David Beckham are nearing a partnership that will bring the world's most popular sport back to the Miami area for the first time in well over a decade.

The Miami Fusion Football Club was established in 1997 and though it only lasted through the 2001 season, soccer fans in the Miami area enjoyed the professional team, as evidenced by an attendance spike during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. With the MLS looking to scale back costs heading into the 2002 season, the league reduced the number of teams from 12 to 10 in January of 2002, with the Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny completely withdrawn from competition. The first place finish and a trip to the semifinals in 2001 were not enough to keep the Fusion involved in league plans, thus ending the existence of a team that made the playoffs in three of its four seasons.

James and Beckham -- who retired from professional soccer in May -- are now highly interested in bringing a team back to Miami. Though there is a significant level of intrigue from multiple parties, the Miami Heat star indicated recently that talks are still young and no definite steps have been made just yet. "There's some interest in both sides," James said. "David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years, and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure. The research is still being made out, but I think it can be huge. But you never know. I think this is a great town for soccer. There are a lot of soccer players here. There is a lot of great youth soccer here."

Beckham, who has been looking into owning and operating his own MLS franchise over the past few months, said recently that one of the reason's he'd be interested in bringing the sport back to Miami is because he believes there is a true appreciation for the game of soccer. The former Manchester United star also notes that the passion the city of Miami has for sports makes the move a possibility as well.

"I am excited about owning a team, continuing to be part of the MLS in the future," Beckham said. "Miami excites me because I think it's a city that is very excitable."