Milwaukee Pro Soccer to Begin Play in USL in 2026

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced today that the franchise plans to begin play in the United Soccer League in 2026, a year later than initially announced.

“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,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer. “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 continues to move forward with its agency partners at Cramer-Krasselt 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.

2026 also marks 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.

The Championship is the pinnacle of the USL’s comprehensive league ecosystem, which includes three professional leagues, two pre-professional leagues, a developmental academy system, and a nationally competitive youth network. The organization consists of more than 200 teams, from youth to pro, across the United States.

About Milwaukee Pro Soccer

Milwaukee Pro Soccer is a club that represents the culture and spirit of the city of Milwaukee, delivering Wisconsin’s highest level of professional soccer and a dedication to fostering positive change in the community. The club, which is part of the USL Championship, will begin play in 2025 at the Iron District MKE in a newly constructed 8,000-seat stadium.

Learn more at www.milwaukeeprosoccer.com

About the USL:

Impacting more than 200 communities, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America. The USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both women and men within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Championship (men), USL Super League (women), and USL League One (men); two national pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and USL W League (women): and two national youth leagues: USL Academy and Super Y League.

Learn more at www.uslchampionship.com

About Kacmarcik Enterprises

Kacmarcik Enterprises is a portfolio of companies in the Industrial, Human Performance & Social Impact, and Consumer sectors, all of which are committed to the collective goal of positively impacting a million lives annually.

Learn more at www.kacmarcikenterprises.com

About Bear Development

With roots dating back to 1924, Kenosha-based Bear Development provides innovative solutions to complicated real estate developments. Since 1986, the company has been involved with the acquisition and development of residential, multi-family, hospitality, retail, office, and industrial projects. The firm currently owns and manages real estate in 20 states. Leveraging the most talented people available, we strive to create the highest quality real estate products designed to provide long-term value for our stakeholders. Bear is committed to creating value in the communities where we live, work and serve.

Learn more at www.beardevelopment.com

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.