Red Bull to continue USA spending spree

UPDATE The MetroStars are expected to be purchased by Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian company behind the popular caffeine-loaded beverage. The sale by Anschutz Entertainment Group was approved by Major League Soccer's Board of Governors at a meeting in Manhattan on Wednesday. The price tag is estimated at $30 million. An official announcement is expected Thursday.

03/08/06 This NY Times article says, The Austrian company that makes and markets Red Bull, an energy drink, could emerge as the new owner and operator of the MetroStars after a meeting of Major League Soccer's board of governors today in New York.

Red Bull, which has its North American headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif., bought the SV Wüstenrot Salzburg club last year and renamed it SV Red Bull Salzburg. After a change of management and an infusion of money, the once-struggling team is now in second place in Austria's first division. (Red Bull also sponsors a racing team that will begin competing in NASCAR next year and owns two F1 teams.)

"We've had numerous inquiries about the MetroStars the last few years and we see it as a sign of value in M.L.S.," Dan Courtemanche, the league's vice president for communications, said in a telephone interview. Asked if the deal could be announced after the meeting today, he said, "The meeting will discuss all aspects of the business of M.L.S."