(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- On September 2, 2026, Hometown Soccer Holdings (HSH), New York City FC, MLS NEXT Pro, and Middlesex County officials unveiled plans to bring MLS NEXT Pro soccer to Middlesex County. Starting in July 2027, New York City FC II will begin a new chapter under Hometown Soccer Holdings. The Club, which will initially be referred to as New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro, will be given a new identity, including name, colors, and crest, to represent and reflect its local community. New Jersey's fans and community will participate in the development of the new club identity. The NEXUS, a new $350 million sports and entertainment district, features a stadium that will be the home of the new club.
"This is exactly the kind of opportunity we envisioned when MLS partnered with KKR and Hometown Soccer Holdings to accelerate the growth of MLS NEXT Pro," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "As the first club to relaunch under that partnership, New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro represents an important step in the league's next chapter by strengthening player development and bringing professional soccer closer to more communities."
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro will become the first MLS NEXT Pro side to relaunch under the HSH commercial platform. The team will continue to serve as New York City FC's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. New York City FC will continue to oversee all sporting operations for the team, drawing on their proven track record of developing elite professional talent through MLS NEXT Pro. The partnership builds on a rich tradition of player development that runs directly through the region. Additional announcements, including stadium information and club branding, are expected later in 2026. Fans and supporters can place a deposit for a New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro founding membership by visiting NewJerseyMLSNP.com.
"New Jersey is a soccer state, and today we're once again giving fans across the Garden State a team to call their own," said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. "Bringing professional soccer to NEXUS gives fans in the heart of our state a team to rally behind while creating new opportunities for athletes and strengthening our state's growing sports economy. We're proud to welcome this club to Middlesex County and can't wait to see fans in the stands at NEXUS."
"Professional soccer belongs in communities like Middlesex County, New Jersey," said Tom Glick, CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings. "The county's remarkable diversity, deep soccer culture, and passion for the game make this the right place to build something lasting. We are proud to make New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro our first club under the Hometown Soccer platform and to partner with New York City FC to deliver a world-class experience for fans and families across New Jersey."
In April 2026, MLS and KKR announced a strategic investment to accelerate the growth of MLS NEXT Pro, forming Hometown Soccer Holdings as a new platform to serve as the league's commercial engine. The strategic partnership is designed to support stadium development in new communities, create new club brands for MLS-affiliated teams, and enhance the fan experience through high-energy matchday environments at fan-friendly venues with distinct local identities. New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro is the first expansion announcement under that platform.
As part of the strategic partnership, Middlesex County will become the second official New York City FC Youth Programs' Regional Hub, joining LIU Post in Long Island. The Middlesex Regional Hub will bring the Club's renowned youth development expertise and coaching methodology to the NEXUS. In 2027, New York City FC Youth Programs will establish a new youth soccer club in Middlesex County with teams and supplemental programming for kids from ages three to eighteen. Based at NEXUS Fields at Thomas A. Edison Park, near the stadium, the Regional Hub programming will give participating players direct exposure to New York City FC's player development pathway.
"New York City FC has always been committed to developing the next generation of local soccer players and fans, and the partnership with Hometown Soccer Holdings is the latest step in strengthening that mission," said Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC. "We are excited to be at the forefront of MLS NEXT Pro's new era and help build what we know will be an amazing club for Middlesex County. Having our young professional players be part of a club with their own, dedicated fanbase and identity while playing in a purpose-built stadium in Middlesex County will help accelerate their development. Just as importantly, the Middlesex Regional Hub will tap into one of the country's premier soccer markets, building on New Jersey's already thriving soccer culture and strong pipeline of youth players. We look forward to creating new opportunities for local players to enter the New York City FC development pathway, and building on our legacy of developing top talent."
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro will call the state-of-the-art stadium at NEXUS home. Slated for a ribbon-cutting later this year, NEXUS is a sports and entertainment district that comprises a 6,500-seat stadium with an adjacent plaza, recreational fields, and a full-service restaurant and bar. The stadium itself includes luxury-style suites, two upper-level party decks, a premium home plate bar that opens to the field, and an extensive grass hill with a playground for families and fans to watch matches. The new stadium is located within walking distance of Nexus Fields, a new premier 14-field youth tournament destination. Its opening represents a new era of professional soccer for Middlesex County, one of New Jersey's most populous and diverse counties.
"Bringing professional soccer to Middlesex County, and its almost 900,000 residents, will make us an exciting new sports destination in New Jersey," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "The Board of County Commissioners and I know that this new club will bolster soccer culture in our region and attract new interest for the sport, especially among our youth. We're proud to welcome New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro, Hometown Soccer Holdings, and New York City FC to NEXUS and our community – we have no doubt they will make a lasting impact on our residents and entice more visitors to our region."
"At the core of MLS NEXT Pro, the league exists to grow the game and create pathways to opportunity - both on and off the field - and to bring professional soccer closer to communities across the U.S. and Canada," said Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro and EVP of MLS Sporting Development. "New York City FC has proven it can identify and develop elite talent through the player pathway, and pairing that with Middlesex County fans will create an ideal environment that provides opportunities for players, staff, commercial partners and the broader community."
Conveniently located near the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 287, and with easy access to New York City, NEXUS is uniquely positioned to serve residents throughout New Jersey and the entire tri-state region. NEXUS will be managed by trusted industry professionals, Sports Facilities Companies, under the seasoned leadership of General Manager Katie Eskin.
Soccer fans can expect significant investments in youth athletics at NEXUS Fields; exhibition games and friendly scrimmages; and MLS professional athletes and MLS NEXT Pro members' community engagement events.
For more information and the latest club updates visit NewJerseyMLSNP.com and for more on NEXUS, visit NEXUSnj.com. To register for New York City FC Youth Programs Regional Hub in Middlesex County, visit this link.
About Hometown Soccer Holdings
Hometown Soccer Holdings is a professional soccer organization dedicated to bringing new clubs and purpose-built stadiums to cities across North America. Founded by soccer industry veterans Tom Glick, Chris Klein, and Chris McGowan, whose careers span leadership roles at Manchester City FC, the LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer, and beyond, Hometown Soccer Holdings partners with MLS and KKR to grow the game in new communities. For more information, visit www.hometownsoccer.com.
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men's soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and inclusion, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro celebrates its fifth season in 2026 with 30 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and three independent, Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC and Connecticut United FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, AC Grand Rapids, and The Island F.C.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 21 county parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities,
Middlesex County is one of the nation's most dynamic regions — and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. With more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities, Middlesex County is among the most diverse areas in the United States. Its award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools and two-year Middlesex College strengthen the County's reputation as New Jersey's leader in education and workforce development.
Conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, Middlesex County has been a premier destination to live, work, and play since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and follow Middlesex County on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
New York City FC is an American professional soccer team that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the Eastern Conference of the League. It was announced as the League's 20th franchise on May 21, 2013 and is the first and only MLS club located within the five boroughs of New York City. New York City FC kicked off its inaugural MLS season in March 2015 and is majority owned by City Football Group (CFG). In 2021, New York City FC won MLS Cup in the Club's first ever appearance, becoming the first professional sports franchise based in New York to win a championship in a decade. In 2022, New York City FC added to its trophy cabinet by winning Campeones Cup, the annual clash between the champions of MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.
New York City FC proudly supports City in the Community (CITC) foundation to use the power of soccer to uplift communities. One of the programs, New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI), is a first-of-its-kind public-private community partnership to open 50 mini-soccer pitches in NYC neighborhoods in five years. In 2021, NYCSI opened its 50th pitch and committed to install 26 more mini-pitches across NYC in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 26™.
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