Cleveland is one of the top sports cities and largest media markets in the country without a top-tier professional soccer team. USL believes Cleveland was built for Division One soccer. With passionate fans, a strong community identity, and a deep love for the game at every level, we’re ready to build something lasting for both men’s and women’s soccer here.

USL sees Cleveland as a Division One market. It has everything a top-tier professional soccer market needs: size, infrastructure, corporate base, and a fan culture that rivals any in the country. We’ve seen cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh thrive with USL clubs, and we believe Cleveland is next.

The University reviewed proposals for reimagining a new space on the Wolstein Center site that could meet CSU’s goals for the site and deliver maximum value to CSU, downtown Cleveland and the city as a whole. The committee that reviewed both the RFQ and RFP proposals decided unanimously to forward the USL proposal to the Board for consideration and direction on next steps, which they approved in August to start negotiations. CSU is working with the USL and USL Cleveland toward developing a mutually satisfactory agreement consistent with the proposal, CSU’s current Strategic Plan Cleveland State United and its ongoing commitment to CSU athletics.

USL, USL Cleveland and CSU are exploring the potential to redevelop the current Wolstein Center site into a vibrant, stadium-anchored district. In addition to USL events and CSU activities, potential uses of a new stadium could include hosting:

o Other sporting events

o Music and entertainment

o Fairs, festivals and charity events

o Exhibitions

o Trade shows

o Other events requiring a large-capacity facility

USL Cleveland is being led by local champions, Kevin Murphy, Tim Junglas and Nathan Kelly with heavy involvement from Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer at USL. All four have strong ties and deep connections to the Cleveland community.

USL Cleveland has aspirations to play in USL division one men’s and women’s as soon as 2028. We remain in constant contact with the university, our partners & other key stakeholders to collaborate on the strongest path.

If a stadium is built, it would contribute to the revitalization of downtown Cleveland and drive economic impact. USL and USL Cleveland envision a vibrant, mixed-use district anchored by a sustainable, multipurpose, open-air stadium that can be home for more than professional soccer. In addition to USL events and CSU activities, the stadium could be used to host other sporting events, concerts, festivals, commencement ceremonies, and community gatherings that drive year-round activity and tourism. The stadium project will boost job density, drive tourism and increase activity in the downtown core. The local community, fans and residents will be a priority throughout the process, and the USL team invites feedback from the public.

USL clubs are built from the ground up — with local leadership, community partnerships, and professional operations that reflect the city they represent. We’re proud that USL is introducing promotion and relegation in the U.S., which makes every game and every season matter. It’s about quality, ambition, access, and growth.

·Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States. It is the first and only organization to offer a complete youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem.

· The USL operates four men’s leagues: the newly announced top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III) and USL League Two (pre-professional). On the women’s side, it oversees the Gainbridge Super League (Division I), which launched in 2024, and the USL W League, the country’s top pre-professional women’s league. The USL also runs the USL Academy and USL Youth programs to support talent development and youth engagement.

· The USL is built on a proven, internationally recognized model and counts more than 200 clubs in its membership.

CLICK HERE to sign up for updates on USL’s and USL Cleveland’s progress on bringing Division One professional soccer to Cleveland. For more information, visit: USLCleveland.com.

“As a proud alum of CSU Law and former resident of downtown Cleveland, I know firsthand the passion this city has for sports. This project has the potential to be a game-changer for Cleveland State and entire region, creating a vibrant, community-focused hub that will drive economic growth, foster local pride and enhance the city’s reputation as a sports destination.” – Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer of the USL.

“As lifelong Clevelanders, this project is a personal commitment to making Cleveland a top soccer market. We’re excited about its potential impact on Northeast Ohio.” – Tim Junglas, Co-Founder, USL Cleveland

“This is about building something enduring, something that benefits Cleveland for generations. We want a professional soccer team deeply connected to this city, its people, and its future.” – Kevin Murphy, Co-Founder, USL Cleveland