Cleveland Pro Soccer

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Cleveland Pro Soccer
FoundedNovember 21, 2022; 17 months ago (2022-11-21)
StadiumTBD
CapacityTBD
OwnersMichael Murphy
Nolan Gallagher
LeagueMLS Next Pro
WebsiteClub website

Cleveland Pro Soccer is the ownership group based in Cleveland, Ohio, of an independent men's professional soccer team that plans to participate in MLS NEXT Pro. The group is also presenting a bid in 2024 for the 16th expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

History[edit]

MLS NEXT Pro Team[edit]

On November 21, 2022, MLS NEXT Pro announced that a new independent club in Cleveland would join the league as early as 2025.[1][2][3][4] Actual start date is still pending.[5]

The group was founded and is led by Michael Murphy and Nolan Gallagher, both formerly of Gravitas Ventures. On March 31, 2023, Gallagher stepped down as Gravitas CEO to focus on the team.[6][7]

The team's name, colors and crest will be revealed at a later date. A stadium announcement, including location and seating capacity, is expected in 2024.[8]

NWSL Expansion Bid[edit]

Cleveland Pro Soccer presented a bid for the 15th NWSL expansion team.[9] Cleveland was among four finalist teams, including Boston, San Francisco and Tampa.[10] The expansion team was eventually granted to NWSL Boston in December 2022.[11]

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman announced in November 2023 that the league would add a 16th team by 2026.[12]

In July 2023, Cleveland Pro Soccer announced its intent to bid for the 16th NWSL expansion team.[13] The group launched a campaign in October 2023 to gain public support for the bid and to demonstrate the strength of the Cleveland sports market. A stadium announcement for the Cleveland professional soccer teams, including location and seating capacity, is expected in 2024.[14]

In January 2024, the organization shared via email and social media[15] that the bid presentation to the NWSL would happen in spring 2024 and was nearing its ticket pledge goal.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Cleveland to launch MLS NEXT Pro Team in 2025". MLS NEXT Pro. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  2. ^ "Cleveland set to add MLS NEXT Pro soccer team in 2025". Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  3. ^ "Cleveland Soccer Group plans professional soccer team". Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  4. ^ "New professional soccer team coming to Cleveland, part of MLS NEXT Pro league". Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  5. ^ "Cleveland to launch MLS NEXT Pro Team in 2025". MLS NEXT Pro. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  6. ^ Welk, Brian (February 17, 2023). "Gravitas Ventures Founder Stepping Down as CEO to Focus on His… Cleveland Soccer Team". IndieWire. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  7. ^ Welk, Brian (2023-02-17). "Gravitas Ventures Founder Stepping Down as CEO to Focus on His… Cleveland Soccer Team". IndieWire. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  8. ^ "MLS NEXT Pro Team in Cleveland". www.clevelandprosoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  9. ^ Emily Caron; Eben Novy-Williams (2022-12-16). "NWSL Narrows Expansion Search to Boston, Tampa and San Francisco". Sportico. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  10. ^ Emily Caron; Eben Novy-Williams (2022-12-16). "NWSL Narrows Expansion Search to Boston, Tampa and San Francisco". Sportico. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  11. ^ Emma Healy (September 18, 2023). "Professional women's soccer is coming back to Boston. Here's what you need to know about the NWSL". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  12. ^ "NWSL commissioner announces plans to add 16th team by 2026". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  13. ^ Chavkin, Daniel (2023-10-17). "Ohio Group Announces Pursuit of NWSL Franchise in Cleveland". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  14. ^ "MLS NEXT Pro Team in Cleveland". www.clevelandprosoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  15. ^ Tweet by @cleprosoccer on Jan. 25, 2024

External links[edit]

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