USL Announces Franchise Intent for Pensacola

Negotiations ongoing for men's and women's professional teams

USL announced today the intent to bring men’s and women’s professional soccer to Pensacola, Florida. While the announcement did not mention specific leagues, similar to Fort Lauderdale United’s announcement last week, the men’s side is assumed to be USL League One based on the size of the market and need for further expansion at the third tier. Currently, USL Super League is the only women’s professional league under the USL system.

USL and the city of Pensacola will enter exclusive negotiations to examine the viability of professional soccer and related development of a stadium and mixed-use entertainment district. The initial phase of these negotiations focuses on investors, funding and stadium location. Per the announcement, a stadium location has yet to be determined.

Said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves in the press release:

"USL is a brand that has provided a great product on the field with a history of success. Our city has proven it supports professional sports, and we expect our community would welcome this league with our exceptional Gulf Coast hospitality."

Pensacola has a population of approximately 53,730, but a metro area population of just over a half a million. The city hosts the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League, a minor league whose teams are not affiliated with any NHL teams; and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a AA baseball team affiliated with the Miami Marlins.

Pensacola is also home to amateur soccer club Pensacola FC, competing in the League for Clubs and WPSL in 2025. Southeast Soccer Report was able to confirm that the same group managing Pensacola FC is involved in the professional negotiations with the USL and the city. The club currently plays at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park and is owned by Justin Witkin, a law firm partner and entrepreneur.

We’ll keep an eye on this one for 2027 or beyond.

Editor’s note: this story was updated to correct an error regarding Pensacola FC’s current league, and to add confirmation that the ownership group of the club is involved in the USL venture.