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Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, is telling backers of a Major League Soccer franchise not to ask the Legislature for public money for a new stadium.

, say Major League Soccer is close to awarding a franchise to an ownership group headed by former UnitedHealth Group CEO Bill McGuire. McGuire is reportedly seeking a stadium in downtown Minneapolis that will rely on some public financing. (

 that they're in advanced discussions with McGuire and other owners of MN United about allowing a MLS team to the Twin Cities).

Bakk says the Legislature will not back the measure.

"The league ran into this problem in Miami," Bakk said. "They gave a franchise out two years ago, and they don't have a field to play on. So I don't know if they're going to make that mistake twice or if this group of owners is going to figure out how to finance a $150 million soccer stadium or not."

The Legislature approved a $1 billion stadium for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012.

That measure gave the Vikings owners exclusive rights to host an MLS franchise in the new stadium for five years after the stadium opens. But the legislation doesn’t guarantee the Vikings a team from the New York-based soccer league.

: Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber issued this statement Monday.

Vikings owner Mark Wilf sent out this statement regarding the MLS.

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Tom Scheck

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DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk is telling backers of a Major League Soccer franchise not to ask the Legislature for public money for a new stadium.

Bakk puts foot down on soccer stadium

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