USL News Release

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that the league’s 27th franchise has been awarded to the Lehigh Valley, one of the most historic soccer markets in the United States, and will be owned and operated by Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. The announcement was made at a press conference at the 16,000-seat Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University. The club will begin play in 2016.

The Philadelphia Union and Keystone Sports and Entertainment ownership is led by Jay Sugarman, Chairman, and Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Operating Partner. Sugarman is Chairman of iStar Financial, a leading real estate finance and investment company in the United States with a $7 billion portfolio. Sugarman also serves as Chairman of the Board of LNR Properties, the largest commercial real estate special servicer in the country with a current portfolio in excess of $150 billion. Sakiewicz has been in professional soccer as a player and executive for more than 25 years. He is a founding executive of Major League Soccer and two-time MLS Executive of the Year as President of the Tampa Bay Mutiny and NY/NJ MetroStars. Sakiewicz is cofounder, along with Sugarman, of Keystone Sports & Entertainment and serves as the Philadelphia Union Chief Executive Officer & Operating Partner.

“We are extremely pleased to add yet another ownership group that is experienced in operating highly successful professional sports franchises to the USL family. It’s an honor to return soccer to not only one of the most historic, but also vibrant and growing markets in the U.S.,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “With sophisticated ownership and the passionate sports fans of the Lehigh Valley, this club has the formula for major achievements on and off the field.” 

The Lehigh Valley was one of the founding communities for soccer in the United States, with local clubs capturing five Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles from 1915-1926. It is the fastest growing and third most populous region in the state of Pennsylvania with close to one million residents.

“This is another landmark day in the short history of the Philadelphia Union,” Sakiewicz said. “This was a decision that we carefully studied and analyzed all possible options. In the end, we’ve chosen an extraordinarily great soccer community in the Lehigh Valley that is underserved for professional soccer. Combining our Club’s culture with this amazing soccer community and the spectacular venue that Goodman Stadium provides will create an incredible environment for the growing fan base in the Lehigh Valley. By adding a USL team we ensure that our players will compete at the highest level under MLS. It’s of the utmost importance that at every level of the Union organization we challenge our players with competition in the top professional environments.”

Goodman Stadium is currently home to Lehigh’s college football team and was the training camp home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The club will be developing its own unique brand identity, and additional details including technical staff and player signings will be announced in the coming months.

The USL is a vital piece of the growth and development of soccer in North America, on and off the field. With 24 clubs in the 2015 season, the USL looks to expand strategically with strong ownership groups that share the league’s passion and vision, in markets that are positioned for long-term success. The USL recently announced the additions of FC Cincinnati and Rio Grande Valley FC for the 2016 season.