BRIDGEPORT, CT — A new MLS NEXT Pro league soccer team is targeting to begin playing in Bridgeport in 2025, Mayor Joseph Ganim announced Tuesday.
The independent team, Connecticut United Football Club, is the fifth independent team to be added to the league since its inaugural season in 2022. MLS NEXT Pro is a feeder league to Major League Soccer.
CT United FC was established by Connecticut Sports Group and its founding partner André Swanston, a longtime Connecticut resident and technology entrepreneur. Swanston is a University of Connecticut alumnus, who, with his wife Michelle Swanston, are active investors in minority and women-owned businesses among other investments and, donate to education and community focused initiatives across the country, according to Bridgeport officials.
"André has a proven track record of building transformational companies and valuing community development," said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro, in a statement. "His leadership, entrepreneurship, and determination will be key to the success of the Club, and we are thrilled to partner with André, his wife Michelle, and the CTSG team. Today’s introduction of CT United FC marks a historic milestone as André takes the helm as not only as one of our youngest club owners, but also as one of only a few Black principal owners in modern US sports history."
CT United FC plans to play in a new soccer stadium as part of a premier family-friendly entertainment and sports destination in Bridgeport, Connecticut's most populous city. The city's Planning and Zoning Commission granted Connecticut Sports Group unanimous approval to develop a waterfront soccer stadium and mixed-use destination. The project encompasses a mix of residences, retail and dining space, community greens, a river walk, and a hotel.
"As CT United FC embarks on its MLS NEXT Pro journey, I want to extend deep gratitude to the incredible fans, community leaders, and government officials who have embraced our vision," said André Swanston. "I am confident that, united, Connecticut can compete against anyone. We are committed to building the infrastructure – from a free youth academy to a state-of-the-art stadium - needed to propel Connecticut to the highest levels of soccer."
Added Mayor Ganim, "I want to welcome MLS NEXT Pro and CT United FC to Bridgeport. André Swanston and his team should be commended for their hard work in getting to this milestone. Bridgeport is on the move, and today’s announcement helps solidity Bridgeport as the 'Entertainment Capitol of Connecticut.'"
From the announcement:
“As Council President representing the 137th district, when I was first meeting with André Swanston, I expressed to him that this project should be transformational to Bridgeport and the East Side. André is fully committed to improving our community for years to come,” stated Council President Aidee Nieves.
The state of Connecticut has proven to be a strong hub for the sport of soccer, with consistently high television viewership and has hosted tens of thousands of fans for U.S. Men’s National Team matches of 2023. CT United FC is the third independent expansion team to be announced by MLS NEXT Pro in just the last two months, following Jacksonville and Chattanooga FC in November.
About MLS NEXT Pro: Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro will celebrate its third season in 2024 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, and Connecticut United FC. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro’s matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
About Connecticut United FC: Founded in 2024, Connecticut United Football Club is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2025. CT United FC will call a new state-of-the-art stadium in Bridgeport its home. For updates and more information, visit ctunited.com or follow us on social media.
About Connecticut Sports Group: Connecticut Sports Group’s (CTSG) vision is to create unforgettable experiences that inspire communities. We will own and operate professional sports franchises and state-of-the-art venues, utilizing cutting-edge technology and data to deliver superior service. Through our innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, we aim to revolutionize the sports and entertainment industry and bring diverse communities together.
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