Major League Soccer‘s (MLS) NEXT Pro has awarded André Swanston and Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) the fifth independent MLS NEXT Pro expansion team, Connecticut United Football Club.
Swanston, the principal owner, is the chairman and CEO of Swanston Labs and a Bronx-born Alpha Phi Alpha member.
Connecticut is the largest media market in the U.S. without a professional sports team in the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and MLS. However, the Constitution State has positioned itself as a soccer TV viewership hub.
According to an MLS Next Pro release, Connecticut has one of the highest engagement levels of any market in America without an MLS team. Connecticut fans spend $1.1 billion yearly on sports tickets, merchandise, and subscriptions, 13% more per fan than the average American.
“As CT United FC embarks on its MLS NEXT Pro journey, I want to extend deep gratitude to the incredible fans, community leaders, and government officials who have embraced our vision. I am confident that, united, Connecticut can compete against anyone,” said Swanston. “We are committed to building the infrastructure–from a free youth academy to a state-of-the-art stadium-needed to propel Connecticut to the highest levels of soccer.”
Bridgeport’s Planning and Zoning Commission granted Connecticut Sports Group unanimous approval to develop a waterfront soccer stadium and mixed-use destination that includes retail spade and dining locations, community greens, a river walk, and a hotel.
The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis reports the development is expected to generate $4 billion in economic impact over the next 25 years and nearly $1 billion in additional state and local tax revenue. The average annual employment will increase by over 1,000 full-time jobs over this period, which Connecticut Mayor Joseph Ganim welcomes.
“Bridgeport is in the midst of a renaissance, rebranding from an industrial city to now the capital of arts and entertainment of Connecticut,” Ganim said in a statement. “I am proud to announce that MLS NEXT Pro will join that landscape in providing entertainment opportunities for Bridgeport residents and the region at large. I also applaud the major investments that Mr. Swanston has made in Bridgeport and his vision to bring professional soccer to our city.”
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.
MLS NEXT Pro comprises 27 MLS-owned clubs and four recently announced independent clubs.
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