Long Island to Launch MLS NEXT Pro Team in 2027

Principal Owner and Chairman Mitchell Rechler, together with Team President Peter Zaratin, today announced the launch of The Island F.C., a new independent professional soccer club that will compete in MLS NEXT Pro, the professional development league of Major League Soccer. Backed by a legacy of civic investment and a deep commitment to youth player development, the team also announced plans to build a new privately funded fan-friendly stadium at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, NY. Designed to seat 2,500 at launch and scalable to 5,000, the venue will serve not only as the home of Long Island’s professional team but also as a year-round academy training facility, empowering the region’s youth with access to elite development pathways and world-class infrastructure. The club is set to kick off its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season in the spring of 2027, strategically timed to build on the national surge in soccer enthusiasm following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The launch will harness renewed fan energy while mobilizing academy infrastructure to shape Long Island’s next generation of talent.

“Since 1960, my family has focused on building Long Island to create a better quality of life for its’ residents, and this is another exciting step in that mission,” said Mitchell Rechler, Principal Owner and Chairman. “We have invested in the soccer space across Nassau and Suffolk for 20 years, and we are proud to bring professional soccer to our community with a club that will create lasting opportunities and give Long Islanders a team they can truly call their own.”

“We’re building a legacy for Long Island — one rooted in opportunity, pride, and lasting impact,” said Peter Zaratin, Team President. “Our mission is to empower aspiring soccer players through an Island-wide development pathway that ensures every player — regardless of background or gender — can reach their full potential in the game, while delivering a stadium experience that energizes fans, strengthens communities, and reflects the rich diversity of Long Island.”

“We are thrilled to welcome The Island F.C. to MLS NEXT Pro. Long Island has a tremendous soccer tradition, with passionate sports fans that we know will embrace this new club,” said Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro. “During the expansion process, Mitchell and his group continuously demonstrated their deep commitment and passion for the sport and for the Long Island community. The Island F.C. will be a great addition to MLS NEXT Pro and we look forward to their first game.”

This announcement represents a major turning point for soccer on Long Island. Plans call for a brand-new 2,500-seat multifunctional stadium and entertainment complex at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, creating a first-class venue that will host various competition sports while serving as a vibrant gathering place for families, fans and community events. The project is designed to bring people together, generate local economic activity and provide a destination that Long Islanders can take pride in for years to come.

“Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports and we are honored to have a professional soccer team right here in Nassau County, which will provide dynamic entertainment and create economic prosperity,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports for our youth, and thousands of fans are dedicated to their favorite teams around the world,” said Edward P. Romaine, Suffolk County Executive. “The addition of a new MLS NEXT Pro team on Long Island would be a legacy achievement that will be supported for years. Thank you to all who are working to bring this dream to Long Island.”

In addition to launching a professional team, the pro club is focused on expanding opportunities for young players to grow and succeed, with future programming to be announced. Enhanced scholarship programs and a strengthened youth–college–pro pathway will help aspiring athletes pursue their goals without unnecessary barriers. Plans are also underway to return professional women’s soccer to Long Island, reaffirming the club’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive development. Academy expansion efforts in Suffolk County will further unify Long Island’s player development landscape—bridging Nassau and Suffolk through shared infrastructure, elite training access and long-term investment in local talent.

Fans can learn more and place season ticket deposits now at www.theislandfc.com, as the club aims to set a record for early support ahead of its 2027 debut. More details on team identity and branding are expected to be shared in 2026.

About MLS NEXT Pro

Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and inclusion, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro celebrates its fourth season in 2025 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, Connecticut United FC, AC Grand Rapids and The Island F.C.. MLS NEXT Pro matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.