Investors plan bid for MLS

A group of investors, led by a local real estate developer, is pulling together a proposal aimed at bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to Portland by 2010.

Ben Stutz, of JB Equities of Portland, said Thursday about five to 10 local investors have committed to a potential ownership group of an MLS franchise. He declined to name the investors but said they have the financial means to make a credible bid, which would include $30 million for an entry fee.

“It’s a very powerful group,” Stutz said. “It’s a substantial group with substantial resources, and it’s a serious effort to try and figure out how to bring MLS soccer to Portland.”

 – Excerpt from The Oregonian, March 30, 2007