LAS VEGAS — (Aug. 11, 2017) — On the heels of an exciting three weeks of new market expansion, United Soccer League (USL) officials — alongside team owner Brett Lashbrook, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow — announced today that Las Vegas will be the third and final USL expansion franchise to join the league for the 2018 season. The new franchise will play at Cashman Field, located in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas brings a significant level of excitement to the rapidly growing professional soccer landscape in the United States,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The USL is leading this growth in the sport’s popularity and demand by identifying and securing thriving new markets, such as Las Vegas, which continues to drive the league toward its goal of becoming one of the top Division II leagues in the world, alongside the likes of the English Championship, Liga Adalante in Spain, and Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.”
“Las Vegas is a first-class sports city with a progressive sports-minded mayor and leadership, and an outstanding venue in Cashman Field that will create an exciting home for this club,” continued Papadakis. “Furthermore, Brett Lashbrook brings significant soccer experience and is well-respected in the soccer industry, immediately adding to the already strong group of owners in the USL family. Those three qualities create a successful expansion market for the league as it continues to grow. We are excited for the plans Brett and his team have in store for the community, and for Las Vegas soccer fans who will finally have a club of their own.”
Following the announcement of the franchise, Lashbrook revealed the six potential team names still in the running, including Las Vegas FC, Las Vegas Lights, Las Vegas Action, Viva Vegas, Club Vegas and Las Vegas Silver. Fans can visit the www.VegasProSoccer.com website from now through Monday, Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT to vote for their favorite team name.
The new USL Las Vegas club is owned by Las Vegas resident Brett Lashbrook and his family. Prior to moving to Las Vegas in 2015 to be near family, Lashbrook served as Chief Operating Officer to lead Major League Soccer’s expansion team in Orlando, Florida, where he oversaw the Club’s transition from USL to Major League Soccer. In addition, he also previously served as legal counsel and special assistant to the Commissioner’s office at Major League Soccer for seven seasons.
“This is the perfect sport at the perfect time for downtown Las Vegas. Soccer wonderfully represents the diversity of our community and Cashman Field provides the ideal home for us. Together with our fans we will create an authentic soccer experience similar to that seen around the globe – singing, dancing, chanting, drumming, flag waiving – you name it. Simply put, we are bringing the world’s most popular sport to the center of the world’s greatest city – and we couldn’t be more excited to bring professional soccer to Las Vegas,” said Brett Lashbrook, Founder of Las Vegas Soccer. “We also want to thank Mayor Goodman, Councilman Barlow and the entire City staff – their support and vision made today’s announcement possible.”
Las Vegas Soccer joins Nashville SC and Fresno FC in joining the USL for the 2018 season. The league also this week announced an expansion franchise for the 2019 season in Birmingham, Alabama and a return to Austin, Texas. As the USL continues to expand into new markets, it requires a vibrant millennial and family population of soccer fans, a strong corporate base, an exceptional ownership group and a proper venue to showcase the sport.
Deposits for the team’s inaugural season in 2018 are now available for $20 at www.VegasProSoccer.com.
About USL:
The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.
A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC and Fresno FC are set to join the league for 2018, with Austin and Birmingham already slated to start play in 2019. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Las Vegas Soccer LLC:
Las Vegas Soccer LLC is the operating entity for the newest professional soccer team for Las Vegas. The Club is the 33rd team to join the United Soccer League (USL). The club will begin its inaugural season in March 2018 with all matches held at Cashman Field, located in Downtown Las Vegas.
For more information visit VegasProSoccer.com or stay up to date with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
