Professional Soccer is Coming to Fort Wayne

Starting in 2026, Fort Wayne FC is set to compete in USL League One, marking a new chapter for the region’s soccer community. Led by majority owner Mark Music and National Soccer Hall of Famer DaMarcus Beasley, the club is set to strengthen the local economy, create new youth development opportunities, and unite fans across the region.

“For me, this is about giving back to the city that shaped my soccer journey,” said Beasley, a native of Fort Wayne who is a four-time World Cup participant and now Fort Wayne FC’s Director of Football Operations. “The excitement surrounding the stadium, and this announcement is incredible, and I know it will inspire our community and fans.”

Fort Wayne FC’s new soccer-specific stadium, at Bass Road and I-69, will hold more than 8,400 fans for matches when it opens in time for the 2026 season.

“The new stadium and this step into professional soccer are game changers for Fort Wayne,” said Mike Avery, the club’s current head coach. “We’re not just building a team; we’re building something special for our city.”

DaMarcus Beasley, Director of Football Operations

Season tickets for the 2025 League Two season are available now. All memberships include priority seat selection in the new stadium.

Competing in a new soccer specific stadium in 2026

“This is more than soccer — it’s about showcasing our region and creating something that will resonate for generations,”

-Mark Music, Fort Wayne FC majority owner; CEO & Owner of Ruoff Mortgage

read the full press release

What is USL League One?

Shaping the future of the game in the United States and Canada, the United Soccer League (USL) – one of the most successful professional soccer organizations in the world – announced in 2017 it would launch a new third division – USL League One in Spring 2019, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience.

The USL has targeted U.S. communities ranging in population from 150,000 to one million – markets that represent more than 75 million people without access to a local professional soccer club. League One has focused on launching new clubs in markets that possess strong local ownership groups, populations with broad-based diversity, a vibrant millennial and strong family base, established corporate support, and stadiums to properly showcase the sport for fans, partners and the public.

League One will immediately benefit from several new USL initiatives, including USL Productions, the organization’s $10 million broadcast and content arm that was established in 2015 which features a cutting-edge broadcast and production facility in South Florida. League One will be operated with the same high level of sophistication and operational expertise that has built the USL Championship into a widely successful and respected league.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL supports its clubs through a dedicated staff of more than 50 executives in vital business areas including – Broadcasting, Sponsorship, Communications, Competition, League Operations, Merchandise Licensing, Team Services and more.

Through League One, the USL will continue to lead the future growth of the sport by cultivating and bonding local supporters through the ‘beautiful game’ for generations to come.

learn more about usl league one