The left-footed center back, who was on loan with the Lights from the Colorado Rapids in 2025, returns on a permanent deal
Las Vegas Lights FC today announced the club has signed defender Nate Jones, pending league and federation approval.
Jones is under contract with the Lights through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
The left-footed center back made 18 appearances for the Lights in 2025 while on a year-long loan from MLS side Colorado Rapids. Previously, he made a total of 26 appearances for Colorado Rapids II during the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, playing a total of 2,167 minutes.
“We’re excited to welcome Nate back to the Lights,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “Young, left-footed, American center backs are hard to find in the player market. In his opportunities with us while on loan last season, he showed promise, athleticism, and adaptability across the back line. He has all the tools to be a good center back at this level, and we believe that he can take a step forward in his career while playing with a veteran like Aaron Guillen, as well as Ben Ofeimu and Elias Gartig.”
Jones played youth soccer in the Seattle area until 2020, when he committed to play for the University of Washington. He participated in 58 matches for the Huskies, scoring five goals and being named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team after his junior year and the All-Pac-12 First Team after his senior year.
Nate also had stints with Crossfire Redmond and Vermont Green, from the NPSL and USL League Two, respectively, during his college career.
At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft he was selected by Austin FC as the fifth overall pick and was immediately traded to the Colorado Rapids, where he spent the majority of the year gaining experience in MLS NEXT Pro before joining the Lights on loan for the 2025 season.
