Milwaukee Pro Soccer has announced that the team will begin play in the United Soccer League in 2026, a year later than initially announced.
As reported by local ABC affiliate WISN, officials from Kacmarcik Enterprises (a portfolio of companies in the industrial, human performance and social impact, and consumer sectors), Milwaukee Pro Soccer and the United Soccer League announced in October 2022 their plan to build an 8,000-seat stadium in what they are calling the Iron District near Sixth and Michigan streets in Milwaukee.
Earlier thiis month, Wisconsin governor. Tony Evers announced the project would receive $9.3 million in state funding.
Milwaukee Pro Soccer has not given a reason for the delays, WISN's Matt Sinn reported.
"As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right," Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer's chief operating officer, said in a release sent to WISN. "The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We're excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026."
Milwaukee Pro Soccer said it continues to move forward to develop a final team name crest, and branding and will continue conducting community engagement activities in the time leading up to its inaugural match.
The year 2026 will also mark the first time the United States, in addition to Mexico and Canada, will host the FIFA World Cup since 1994.
Milwaukee Pro Soccer is slated to join the USL Championship, the second-highest tier of professional soccer in the United States. The USL Championship is sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the nation's Division II professional league. The league boasts 27 clubs in major metropolitan markets, including Miami, San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
