Foley Advises FC Naples in Acquisition of United Soccer League Expansion Club in Southwest Florida

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to FC Naples in the acquisition of a new United Soccer League (USL) expansion club, USL Naples, for Naples, Florida.

USL Naples brings professional soccer to Southwest Florida and will compete in USL League One, in the third tier of American professional soccer. The club will play its home games at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples beginning with their inaugural 2025 season. Foley also assisted the club in its negotiation of the stadium lease.

With plans to establish a youth academy and provide pathways to the ranks of professional soccer, USL Naples aims to reflect the diverse community of Collier County and support the development of local athletes. The team’s CEO, Roberto Moreno, has expressed a commitment to creating a family-friendly environment and a club that becomes a source of pride for the local community. The club will host various community-focused events and listening sessions throughout 2024 to involve the community in shaping the club’s identity, including its name, crest, and colors.

In addition to playing exciting and fast-paced soccer, the club’s introduction is seen as a significant step for the local community, promising to boost tourism, support local businesses, and provide wholesome entertainment for residents. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex, where the team will play, is a state-of-the-art facility, featuring professional-level synthetic turf fields, on-site recreation, and entertainment options with high quality food and beverage.

The Foley team was led by partner Federico Goudie (Finance/Transactions) and of counsel Michael Wall (Sports/Entertainment) and included partner Rishi Sodhi (Tax), senior counsel Sonia Kothari (Tax), and associates Talita Duarte and Miguel Beltran.