By Simon Evans

SEATTLE - David Beckham has an option to own a future 20th team in Major League Soccer, the North American league's commissioner said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters at halftime in the title-deciding MLS Cup final, which featured Beckham and L.A. Galaxy against Real Salt Lake, Garber dismissed speculation the England midfielder might be involved in a possible Montreal franchise.

However, Garber for the first time gave details of how Beckham might become an owner of a team in the league.

"We didn't talk about this until recently but David has the option for our 20th team," said Garber.

"That option can't be exercised until after 2011 or after he stops playing so we have got some time to figure that out."

Montreal could become the 19th team in the league following the arrival of Philadelphia next year and Vancouver and Portland in 2011.

Beckham has not given any indication of which city he might choose to create a new team in but has sounded upbeat about the chances of him exercising the option.

"Owning a franchise is something that is definitely possible and something that I'm really thinking about and I think it will happen eventually," Beckham said during his Friday news conference.

Beckham's current deal with the Galaxy runs out at the end of the 2011 season.