MLS could announce Charlotte as its newest expansion team, according to commissioner Don Garber.

"It's fair to say that Charlotte has done a lot of work, to move their bid really to the front of line. It starts with David Tepper, the owner of the [Carolina] Panthers. He's a very passionate guy about sport, he's very passionate about Charlotte," said Garber. 

Garber sees Charlotte using Atlanta's model for success.

"[Tepper] is reminding us that the league didn't see what Atlanta would become. I would be the first to admit that. There are lots of things happening in Charlotte that are very similar to the things that are happening in Atlanta in terms of the diversity of their fan base and a lot of the corporate energy that's going on down there," said Garber.

Las Vegas and Phoenix are also eyed as potential targets for expansion.