David Beckham + LeBron James = MLS in Miami?

David Beckham and LeBron James have reportedly entered preliminary talks about partnering to bring an MLS expansion franchise to Miami. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images)

MLS struck it big with New York City FC, landing two ownership partners with worldwide clout in Manchester City and the New York Yankees to spearhead the league's next expansion franchise.

If reports coming out of Miami Tuesday are any indication, then the league's proposed future expansion team in South Florida could boast two individual names that need no introduction anywhere around the world as well.

Miami Heat superstar LeBron James told reporters that "there's interest on both sides, but it's preliminary talks" regarding getting involved with David Beckham in bringing a potential MLS expansion franchise to Miami. Beckham's quest to bring MLS to Miami is nothing new, as he has long been speculated to be exercising his option to buy in as an MLS owner there at a discounted rate. Bringing LeBron's talents to South Beach with him is a new wrinkle in the plan, though, and one that would add an even grander scope to a project that has the potential to be spectacular. 

James is already involved in soccer, as he has a minority ownership stake in Liverpool. Him and Beckham shaking hands is also old news, as evidenced by this encounter in Game 7 of last season's NBA Eastern Conference finals:

Perhaps the next handshake between the two will have great ramifications for the future of American soccer.

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