Major League Soccer has hinted before at expanding past 24 teams and on Sunday (AEDT), the league turned those hints into something more substantive.

In a statement, MLS announced its board of governors had approved a measure to explore eventually bringing the league's total number of franchises to 28.

“There is no shortage of demand for MLS expansion teams and we believe the opportunity exists to grow beyond our current plans,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in the statement. “We will evaluate how to grow the league to 28 teams and establish a process and timeline for future expansion.”

The league currently plans to expand to 24 teams by the year 2020, as Atlanta, Minnesota and a second Los Angeles team have already been announced. The fourth team is widely expected to be a Miami franchise with an ownership group headlined by David Beckham, which had its stadium plans approved by the board of governors today.

“We are very supportive of Miami Beckham United’s plans to locate their stadium in the City of Miami's Overtown neighborhood,” Garber said in the statement. “Their vision for a world-class venue within the urban core that is accessible by mass transportation is impressive, and we believe it will be an important part of the continued revitalisation of the area. We look forward to working with David and his partners to finalise plans to bring Major League Soccer to Miami.”

The league also announced it will take a two-week break, from 2-19 June, for the Copa America Centenario. That will not cover the entirety of the tournament, which runs from 3-26 June. Still, it is likely a welcome relief to MLS clubs, many of which stand to lose players for the event.

Additional announcements included a change to the All-Star Game, requiring players selected to take part or else sit out their next team game.

Decision Day also received a change as all of the contests on that final day of the MLS season will now take place at the same time.