New York City FC affiliate to become New Jersey soccer club, play in Middlesex County in 2027
The MLS NEXT Pro team will get a new name, colors and crest and play at the new 6,500-seat NEXUS stadium beginning next summer.
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A new professional soccer club representing New Jersey will begin playing in Middlesex County next summer at the new NEXUS stadium.
New York City FC II will relocate to Middlesex County and begin playing there in July 2027 as part of MLS NEXT Pro. The team will initially be known as New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro before receiving a new name, colors and crest intended to reflect the local community. Fans will be invited to participate in developing the club's new identity.
The club will play at the new 6,500-seat stadium at NEXUS, a $350 million sports and entertainment district in Middlesex County. The complex also includes recreational fields, a restaurant and bar and the nearby 14-field NEXUS Fields youth sports facility.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined soccer and county officials Wednesday for the announcement, calling New Jersey "a soccer state."
"Bringing professional soccer to NEXUS gives fans in the heart of our state a team to rally behind while creating new opportunities for athletes and strengthening our state's growing sports economy," Sherrill said.
She said the new club could also draw visitors to the region for its food, shopping and entertainment.
New York City FC will continue to oversee the team's soccer operations, and the club will remain its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Hometown Soccer Holdings will oversee the team's commercial operations. Additional details about the club's branding and stadium are expected later this year.
The partnership will also establish Middlesex County as New York City FC's second Youth Programs Regional Hub. Beginning in 2027, the organization plans to establish a youth soccer club based at NEXUS Fields with teams and additional programming for children ages 3 to 18.
The Middlesex County club will be the first MLS NEXT Pro team launched under Hometown Soccer Holdings, a platform formed this year through a partnership involving MLS and investment firm KKR.
(Photo Credit: Middlesex County)
