2009 MLS League Approval Granting
The historic March 2009 approval that brought professional soccer back to Portland and ignited the Green Army.
The granting of Major League Soccer expansion approval to Portland on March 20, 2009, marked the resurrection of a storied franchise and the beginning of a new professional era for soccer in the Pacific Northwest. This pivotal moment followed years of passionate fan advocacy, transforming the dormant legacy of the original NASL Timbers into a modern MLS institution under the leadership of local ownership group led by Merritt Paulson.
- Date
- March 20, 2009
Lore & Background
The decision by the MLS Board of Governors signaled a shift in the league's strategy, recognizing the deep-rooted passion for the sport in the Pacific Northwest. While the approval was a crucial step, the rights to the historic name and crest were secured separately through negotiations—the Timbers name was already in active use by the USL team prior to MLS entry. It set the stage for the expansion and renovation of Providence Park (originally a baseball stadium) and the immediate sell-out crowds that would define the club's early MLS years.
In Their Own Story
The air in the boardroom was thick with anticipation as the final vote echoed through the conference line. In Portland, thousands gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square, holding green flags high against the grey October sky, unaware of the exact moment but feeling the shift in history. When the announcement finally broke, a roar that had been building for thirty years erupted from the hills to the river, sealing the fate of the Timbers as an MLS club.
Reader's Guide
The journey began with the collapse of the original NASL franchise in 1982, leaving a void that fans filled with hope and amateur leagues. By the late 2000s, a coalition led by Merritt Paulson successfully lobbied MLS to return, citing Portland's unique soccer culture as a prime market for expansion. In October 2009, the official approval was granted, allowing the club to prepare for its inaugural MLS season in 2011, bridging the gap between the classic past and a bright future.
Did You Know?
- The March 2009 approval allowed the new franchise to officially inherit the history, colors, and crest of the original NASL Timbers, though those rights were acquired through separate negotiations.
- Portland was one of the few MLS cities where a significant fan base existed before the professional team returned.
- The expansion bid was driven largely by local ownership rather than external investors seeking quick returns.
- Providence Park, the club's home, was originally a baseball stadium converted for soccer—not a purpose-built soccer-specific stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 2009 MLS League Approval Granting?
This event refers to Major League Soccer's official decision in October 2009 to grant expansion rights to Portland, Oregon. It marked the formal resurrection of professional soccer in the city after a decades-long absence following the original NASL franchise.
Who led the effort that secured this approval?
The successful bid was driven by a local ownership group headed by Merritt Paulson, who championed the return of the club. Their persistent advocacy convinced league officials to bring professional soccer back to the Pacific Northwest.
Why is the October 2009 approval considered so important?
This milestone ended years of dormancy for the Timbers brand and ignited the passionate 'Green Army' fanbase. It transformed a dormant legacy into a modern MLS institution, setting the stage for future success including multiple Supporters' Shields.
How does this event connect to the original NASL Timbers?
The 2009 approval officially revived the storied history of the Portland Timbers that originally played from 1975 to 1982. It allowed the new MLS club to inherit and honor the legacy of its predecessor while launching a new professional era.
What happened immediately after the league granted this approval?
Following the October decision, the ownership group began the process of establishing the modern franchise for its debut in 2011. This period involved securing a stadium plan and building the infrastructure necessary to launch the team as an MLS member.
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