January 17, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
NAPLES & TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League today announced it has awarded a USL League One franchise to Naples, located in Southwest Florida. USL Naples will begin play in 2025, led by a world-class ownership group with decades of experience in the global sports industry and investments in North American and European sports leagues. The team will call the Paradise Coast Sports Complex home.
“In creating a winning plan for USL Naples, we’ve consulted with advisors and investors to bring the highest quality of professional soccer with a family-friendly environment to the region,” said USL Naples CEO Roberto Moreno. “We are committed to growing with the local community, so that our players become a source of pride and inspiration for our friends and neighbors.”
USL Naples aims to establish a team that truly reflects Collier County’s diverse residents and business community while supporting the next generation of local athletes. With youth club Azzurri Storm SC and NPSL side Naples United FC, soccer has been an integral part of this region for many years.
“We are thrilled to welcome USL Naples and Southwest Florida to professional soccer,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Office. “With a deeply committed, forward-thinking ownership group led by Roberto Moreno, a state-of-the-art facility in the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and a history of excellence in youth soccer, Naples is poised for immediate and long-term success as a soccer city. This new club will represent Naples and Collier County on a national and international stage and be a catalyst for both culture and business. We look forward to seeing it all come to life on the Paradise Coast as we begin the countdown to kick off in 2025.”
USL Naples is committed to involving the community in shaping the club. The club will host listening sessions and community-focused events throughout 2024 to connect with fans of all ages and perspectives. USL Naples will develop its name, crest, and colors – the spirit of the club – to authentically reflect the people and the place that make the Paradise Coast unique.
“The addition of a professional soccer club to our community will place Southwest Florida in front of soccer fans around the country, diversifying our tourism base, supporting local businesses, and offering a healthy entertainment experience for our residents,” said Collier County Commissioner Chris Hall. “We…