• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Brooklyn Set to Get Soccer Franchise as Sport in U.S. Booms

  • New club led by North Sixth Group to begin play in 2025.
  • Lower-level U.S. league seeing wave of new clubs, attendance growth.
USL expansion in Brooklyn
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Major League Soccer has been at the center of the soccer universe with Lionel Messi’s high-profile move to Inter Miami. But Matt Rizzetta is a big believer in the lower-level United Soccer League — and he’s far from alone.

Rizzetta — who through his North Sixth Group owns majority control of Campobasso FC and a minority stake Ascoli FC in Italy — and his partners will field an expansion franchise in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer, based in Brooklyn, New York.

The club, which will start playing in 2025, will seek to capitalize on the growing interest in soccer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brooklyn’s rise as a growing and distinct part of New York City, and USL’s development.

Financial terms were not disclosed. However, expansion fees for the USL Championship — the level just below MLS — are now $20 million, while those in USL League One have reached $5 million.

USL grew its attendance 34% last year, and the Brooklyn expansion will join six other new USL Championship franchises and three more in USL League One.

“USL has passed the test of time,” Rizzetta told Front Office Sports. “New leadership has also come in and worked really well with club owners, and we were impressed by that.”

Rizzetta has not disclosed where the new team will play. Two existing potential venues in Brooklyn provisionally approved by USL each will require upgrades. Other key elements, such as club name and brand will be unveiled this summer.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Michael Johnson

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Red Panda
July 2, 2025

Red Panda Hospitalized After WNBA Halftime Fall

The beloved performer was taken off the court in a wheelchair.
July 1, 2025

WNBA Roster Limits Under Fire After Vanloo’s Valkyries Release

Kaitlyn Chen remains on the Valkyries roster.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
July 1, 2025

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.