Major League Soccer says Ron Burkle has backed out of plans for an expansion team in Sacramento, California, that was scheduled to start play in 2023. MLS said July 17 that Sacramento would not start play until the 2023 season because of the pandemic. The current Sacramento Republic, founded in December 2012, plays in the second-tier United Soccer League Championship. "After working for many years to bring an MLS team to Sacramento, the league continues to believe it can be a great MLS market," MLS said in a statement. "In the coming days, the league will work with Mayor Darrell Steinberg to evaluate possible next steps for MLS in Sacramento."

Source: Fox News February 27, 2021 16:41 UTC