USL Arkansas is an upcoming American professional soccer team based in Rogers, Arkansas. Founded in 2023, the club plans to have a men's team in the USL Championship before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a women's team in the USL Super League debuting in late 2026.
History
On July 12, 2023, the USL awarded an expansion team to the city of Rogers, Arkansas that will represent the Northwest Arkansas region.[1][2][3] The ownership group consists of Chris Martinovic and Warren Smith.
The club plans to build a new, 5,000-seat stadium located in Rogers, just north of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade. On July 19, 2023, the City of Rogers officially approved the rezoning of the stadium site.[4] USL Arkansas is expected to buy the land through an agreement with Rogers philanthropist Johnelle Hunt, the landowner.[5]
A "Name the Team" campaign created by ownership to hear fan suggestions for team names and branding happened in October 2023.[6] The development of the club's name and branding identity will be led by Stone Ward, an advertising agency with offices in Rogers, Chicago, and Little Rock.[7]
On January 5, 2024, USL Arkansas announced the launch of a Founding Fans panel, a group of 36 fans who will "be instrumental in shaping the club’s defining elements – its name, crest, and logo, ensuring that every aspect resonates with the spirit and values of USL Arkansas’ supporters and community."[8]
References
- ^ "Professional Soccer Landing in Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ "Pro soccer teams and a new 5,000-seat stadium are coming to Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ "USL Arkansas plans soccer club in Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ "Rogers approves rezoning for new professional soccer stadium". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Warren Smith updates USL backing, branding, naming". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ "USL Arkansas Invites Community to "Name The Team" in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
- ^ "USL Arkansas Partners with Stone Ward to Shape a Dynamic Soccer Brand in Northwest Arkansas in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
- ^ "USL Arkansas Partners with Stone Ward to Shape a Dynamic Soccer Brand in Northwest Arkansas in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
