The United Soccer League (USL) and City of Brownsville have announced their intent to explore bringing professional men’s and women’s soccer to Brownsville and the surrounding region.
The City and USL will enter exclusive negotiations over the next year to evaluate the viability of supporting soccer teams and opportunities to enhance entertainment options for the community. This initial phase of discussion will address various factors, including funding and the location of a stadium-anchored mixed-use district. Currently, the City and USL are exploring ways to reimagine the existing Brownsville Sports Park into a vibrant entertainment district that could serve as a catalyst for economic development.
“As the anchor to a rapidly growing metropolitan area, Brownsville is one of the youngest, most dynamic regions in the country. It’s also home to some of the most passionate soccer fans, making it an ideal location for a professional club,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer. “The Brownsville Sports Park is a gem to the local community, and we’re excited to work with the City of Brownsville to explore ways we can enhance it as a home for professional soccer while positioning Brownsville as a top destination for soccer and entertainment in South Texas.”
Brownsville could be the newest addition to the most extensive, fan-friendly and broadcast accessible soccer league in the United States. “We are supportive of forging a long-term partnership with the USL because it aligns with our vision for sustainable economic growth, responsible public investment, and a vibrant, inclusive future for Brownsville,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “The possibility of reimagining the Brownsville Sports Park as a stadium-anchored entertainment district is a positive move as it has the potential to create jobs, support our small businesses, attract private investment, and give families year-round amenities while inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
“Bringing the USL platform to Brownsville means our student-athletes can see a real pathway from the classroom and our local fields to the highest levels of the game here at home,” said Tino Villarreal, Jr., Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “A.” “With professional men’s and women’s teams and a revitalized Sports Park, we’re opening doors to mentorship, training, and year-round inspiration that keeps our kids engaged and our families together.”
For more information or to sign up for the latest news, visit: www.uslsoccer.com/Brownsville.
About the United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League is the largest and fastest-growing soccer
organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. 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 preprofessional women’s league. The USL also runs the USL Academy and USL Youth programs to support talent development and youth engagement.
With long-term media rights deals across CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.
