Oregon Public Broadcasting

Advocates of bringing a Major League Soccer team to Portland formally launched their effort at PGE Park Wednesday. Rob Manning reports.

Local pro sports owner, Merritt Paulson says he’ll pay the $40 million needed for an MLS expansion team.

In exchange, Paulson wants public help with the $75 million needed to build a baseball stadium in Southeast Portland, and to turn PGE Park into a premiere soccer venue.

Merritt Paulson: “I’d say adding another major league team that’s poised to flourish and succeed into the future, puts a tremendously positive national spotlight on the city of Portland.”

City Commissioner Randy Leonard spoke in favor of taxing game tickets to pay off city-backed bonds as the way to fund a new baseball park and PGE Park upgrades.

Portland State University says the changes would boost its football program, but so far PSU isn’t offering to help financially.

Paulson says an October 15 application deadline for Major League Soccer does not require all the finances to be worked out.

Online: For more information, on the Major League Soccer proposal, visit http://www.mlstoportland.com. For more on the proposed move of the Portland Beavers to Southeast Portland, visit http://www.betterbeaversballpark.com