International Polo Star Nacho Figueras to Bring Professional Men’s and Women’s Soccer to the Palm Beaches

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today that Palm Beach Sports Holdings LLC, led by polo superstar Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras and his wife, Delfina Blaquier, have acquired the exclusive rights to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Palm Beach County, Florida.

USL Palm Beach aims to field teams in both the USL Super League, the new professional women’s soccer league launching in August 2024, and the USL Championship, the highest level of men’s professional soccer in the USL pyramid. This initiative would establish the first professional soccer franchise in The Palm Beaches.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nacho and Delfi to the USL and look forward to having both men’s and women’s professional teams representing the Palm Beaches in our leagues,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “Nacho is one of the most renowned sportsmen in the world. He’s like the Messi of polo! He and Delfi, who is a former international athlete and strong voice for women’s empowerment through sports, have called the Palm Beach area home for many years, and they will build a vibrant club that is a valuable community asset for the region. As the USL moves forward, we believe USL Palm Beach can be an exemplary club that further elevates the league’s global standing.”

Figueras, a native of Argentina, is considered the world’s most foremost polo player, leading the Black Watch Polo Team in high-profile competitions across the globe. Additionally, he has enjoyed an extensive tenure as a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren.

“Palm Beach Sports Holdings is committed to more than just excellence on the field – we are dedicated to becoming a cornerstone of the Palm Beach community,” Figueras said. “Our vision extends beyond creating competitive soccer teams. It’s about weaving a fabric of unity and pride within the community through diverse initiatives and meaningful engagement.”

Blaquier, a photographer and former model, previously represented Argentina in track & field at the youth level. A dedicated advocate for women’s sports, she will spearhead the franchise’s efforts to establish a professional women team, with a plan to join the USL Super League no earlier than 2025, contingent on the club’s stadium plan.

“I believe in the transformative power of women’s sports, not only as a recreational activity, but as a catalyst for empowerment within our community,” Blaquier said. “By investing in and supporting…